Unit Plan 11 (Grade 2 PE): Underhand Throwing

Focus: Develop underhand throw form and accuracy by practicing controlled swings, tosses, and throws to targets while adjusting force for different distances and staying actively engaged.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Physical Education (Object Control • Force & Accuracy • Active Participation)

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

I. Introduction

Students build beginning object-control skills by learning how to throw underhand with purpose, not just toss an object into the air. This unit introduces the basic parts of an underhand throw: holding the object safely, swinging the arm low, stepping with control, and releasing toward a target. Students first practice tossing beanbags up and catching them and rehearsing the underhand swing motion. They then apply those skills in Beanbag Bucket Toss, where they aim at hoops, buckets, and floor targets from different distances. Throughout the unit, students learn that a close target often needs a softer throw while a farther target may need a stronger throw, and they stay active through quick rotations and repeated tossing challenges.

Essential Questions

• How can I throw a beanbag underhand toward a target with control?
• What helps me become more accurate when I toss to a hoop or bucket?
• How do I know when to use a soft throw and when to use a stronger throw?
• How can I stay active and ready during throwing stations and games?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the basic form of an underhand throw using a controlled arm swing and release.
2. Toss and catch a beanbag or similar object with increasing confidence and body control.
3. Adjust force when throwing to targets that are near, medium, or farther away.
4. Participate actively throughout station and game activities with limited downtime.

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:S2.2c – Effort & Force (Fast/Slow, Hard/Soft) Adjust speed, effort, and force (fast/slow, hard/soft) to match the demands of different movement tasks and games.
  • Example: Students throw soft foam balls gently to a nearby partner and more firmly toward a distant target.
• PE:S3.2a – Active Participation in MVPA Participate consistently in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during class activities and games.
  • Example: Students remain active during a series of tag games, fitness challenges, or relay activities without sitting out unless instructed.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can swing my arm underhand and throw toward a target.
• I can toss a beanbag up and catch it with control.
• I can throw softly to a close target and stronger to a far target.
• I can stay active and ready during throwing games and stations.