Unit Plan 28 (Grade 2 PE): Throwing & Catching in Games

Focus: Combine throwing, catching, and safe running in simple game play by helping students pass or roll to teammates, move to open space, and use mats as safe bases in a beginning team game.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Simple Game Play • Offense & Defense Concepts)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students build on earlier throwing and catching practice by using those skills in a simple team game format. This unit begins with a partner throw/catch warm-up using both underhand and overhand passing so students can review control, ready hands, and moving toward the ball. Students then apply those skills in Mat Ball Lite, where they roll or toss to teammates and run safely to mats used as bases. The unit helps students understand that game play is not only about throwing hard or running fast. It is also about passing with control, catching with focus, moving to open space, and using safe game decisions to help the team.

Essential Questions

• How can I throw or roll the ball so my teammate can catch it?
• What helps me catch the ball safely during a game?
• How can I move to open space or a safe base during play?
• How do throwing, catching, and running work together in a simple team game?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Throw and catch a ball with increasing control using underhand and simple overhand passing.
2. Combine throwing, catching, and running in a beginning game situation.
3. Move to open space or safe base areas to support team play.
4. Demonstrate simple offensive and defensive ideas such as getting open and staying between a player and a base area.

Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.2c – Object Control: Throwing & Catching Throw objects (e.g., yarn balls, foam balls) underhand and overhand toward a target and catch objects thrown at an appropriate distance with increasing success.
  • Example: Students throw a ball overhand toward a wall target and then catch a ball tossed by a partner from a short distance.
• PE:S1.2f – Combining Skills in Simple Games Combine locomotor and object-control skills in simple game situations and challenges.
  • Example: Students run to pick up a ball, dribble it with their feet, and then kick it into a marked goal zone.
• PE:S2.2d – Simple Offensive & Defensive Concepts Begin to demonstrate basic offensive and defensive ideas such as moving to open space and staying between an opponent and a goal.
  • Example: In a simple keep-away game, students move to open spaces to receive a pass or stand between the ball and a target.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can throw or roll a ball to a teammate with control.
• I can catch the ball with ready hands and keep it close to my body.
• I can run safely to a mat or open space during the game.
• I can use throwing, catching, and running together in a team activity.
• I can help my team by getting open or protecting a base area.