Target Tossers Lesson Plan Indiana PE Standards Bundle • K–3 Physical Education
Target Tossers Lesson Plan
Core Skill: Underhand Throwing Mechanics, Trajectory & Target Accuracy
Unit Duration
45–50 Mins / Grade Tier
Indiana Academic Standards for Physical Education (Progression by Grade)
Kindergarten Standard 1.1.1
Objective: Step forward with the opposite foot and swing arm back-to-front in a straight line toward a large stationary target.
Focus: "Tick-Tock Swing" & opposite foot step at 5–8 ft range.
Grades 1–2 Standard 1.1.1 / 2.1.2
Objective: Exhibit mature underhand pattern (eyes on target, backswing to waist, opposite step, waist-height release, point).
Focus: Trajectory control, catching partner rebounds at 10–15 ft range.
Grade 3 Standard 1.1.1 / 5.1.1
Objective: Execute underhand throw with mature form to dynamic/moving targets with variable force and speed.
Focus: Distance modulation, cooperative rally tracking (15–20+ ft).
Universal Motor Skill Cues: "F-S-S-P" Formula
1. FACE
Telly Eyes
Square body and lock eyes onto the target center.
2. STEP
Opposite Foot
Step forward with the foot opposite your throwing arm.
3. SWING
Tick-Tock Pendulum
Arm straight back past hip, then glide smoothly forward.
4. POINT
Follow-Through
Release ball waist-high and point fingers at target.
Equipment Checklist
• 24–30 Beanbags or soft yarn balls (sized for small hands)
• 12 Hula hoops (target zones and staging bases)
• 16 Plastic bowling pins or tall stackable cups
• 4 Large plastic laundry tubs / milk crates
• Floor poly-spots (color-coded for throwing lines)
Safety & Gym Management Protocols
• Whistle Rule: 1 blast = Freeze & hold ball on chest.
• No Throw Zone: Never retrieve balls while others throw.
• One-Way Traffic: All throws directed toward perimeter walls.
• Spacing: Minimum 6 feet between throwing lanes.
Target Tossers PE Bundle • Indiana Standard 1, 2 & 5 Page 1 of 2
Lesson Delivery & Station Activities
Step-by-step 45-minute gym progression with tiered task modifications
Class Pacing Guide
0:00 - 0:08 (8m)
Warmup: Beanbag Body
Balance beanbag on head/shoe; quick mirror swing drill.
0:08 - 0:16 (8m)
Direct Demo: Cues
Introduce F-S-S-P formula; teach "tick-tock" rhythm.
0:16 - 0:38 (22m)
Station Rotations
4 stations x 5 mins each + transition rotations.
0:38 - 0:45 (7m)
Cool-down & Ticket
Breath check, skill debrief, and visual exit ticket.
4 Core Gym Stations (Differentiated by Grade)
Station 1: Castle Knockdown Pins / Cups
Underhand throw to topple pyramid foam cups or pins.
K: Stand at Green Spot (5 ft). Roll or low toss at 3 large pins.
Gr 1-2: Stand at Blue Spot (10 ft). 6-cup tower knockdown.
Gr 3: Stand at Red Spot (15 ft). Call specific target pin before throw.
Station 2: Hoop Landing Arc Trajectory
Lofted underhand rainbow toss landing inside nested hoops.
K: Toss yarn ball into large 36-inch hula hoop directly in front.
Gr 1-2: Score points: Near hoop (1 pt), Mid hoop (2 pts), Far hoop (3 pts).
Gr 3: Arc ball over low cones/rope into elevated laundry tub.
Station 3: Partner Pitch & Catch Rally Count
Two-person underhand toss and catch using "soft basket hands".
K: 4 ft apart; partner catches with two-hand hug scoop.
Gr 1-2: Count consecutive catches to 10; take 1 giant step back at 5.
Gr 3: Receiver shuffles side-to-side; thrower leads moving partner.
Station 4: Clean the Yard Game Cooperative
Underhand toss beanbags across midline tape to clear your zone.
K: Focus on opposite foot step before each toss (freeze & step check).
Gr 1-2: Only underhand throws count; must stay behind boundary cones.
Gr 3: Non-dominant hand bonus tosses; fast retrieval communication.
Teacher Form Correction & Inclusion Notes
Common Error: Stepping with same foot.
Fix: Place a colored sticker or wristband on throwing hand, and matching sticker on the OPPOSITE shoe ("Throw Pink, Step Yellow!").
Common Error: Over-head helicopter arm.
Fix: Have student imagine their arm is a grandfather clock pendulum swinging inside a narrow glass box.
Target Tossers PE Bundle • Lesson Delivery & Teacher Guide Page 2 of 2
Target Tossers Slide Deck K–3 Physical Education • Indiana PE Standards
Gym Ready
TARGET TOSSERS
Master the Underhand Throw: Power, Precision, and Perfect Form!
Eyes On Target
Opposite Step
Tick-Tock Release
Safety First
Gym Safety Rules
Whistle Means Freeze!
One whistle blast: Stop, hold your beanbag with two hands against your chest, and look at the coach.
One-Way Firing Line
All throws travel in the same direction toward wall targets. Never throw across a classmate's path!
Retrieve on Signal Only
Never run into the target zone while equipment is flying. Wait for the "Gather!" whistle command.
Personal Bubble Space
Spread out your helicopter arms. Make sure you have at least 6 feet of clear room on both sides.
The Secret Formula
4 Steps to a Perfect Toss
1. FACE
Laser Eyes
Turn chest square to target. Don't look away!
Check: Eyes locked
2. STEP
Opposite Foot
Step forward with the other foot toward the goal.
Check: Other foot
3. SWING
Tick-Tock Arm
Pendulum swing straight back, then brush your hip.
Check: Straight back
4. POINT
Follow-Through
Release waist-high and point fingers at target!
Check: Point fingers
Coach's Form Check
Common Traps vs. Pro Moves
Watch Out For:
✕ Same-Side Step: Stepping with the same foot throws your shoulders off balance.
✕ Sidearm Helicopter: Swinging sideways like a flying saucer makes throws spray wide.
✕ Late Release: Holding on too long sends the beanbag soaring up into the gym lights!
Do This Instead:
✓ Opposite Foot Forward: Creates natural leverage, smooth balance, and power.
✓ Straight Bowling Swing: Keep your arm brushing your hip like a bowling pendulum.
✓ Waist-Level Release: Let go at belt-buckle height and reach right toward target.
Active Gym Floor
Today's 4 Toss Challenge Stations
Station 1: Castle Knockdown
Topple pyramid cup towers or foam bowling pins at your spot line.
Target Tossers Task Cards Gym Station Cards • Print & Clip to Cones
Target Tossers Station Cards (Part 1)
Stations 1 & 2
1
Castle Knockdown
Station Focus: Linear Accuracy & Arm Path
Equipment: 6 Pins / 10 Cups & 6 Beanbags
Game Setup
Stack cups into a pyramid or align 3–6 foam bowling pins against the gym wall. Place 3 color poly spots on floor for throwing marks.
Throwing Rule
Stand on your grade spot. Tick-tock swing back, step forward with opposite foot, and release at waist to topple the castle!
Fast Reset
Thrower #1 retrieves beanbags. Thrower #2 restacks cups in 5 seconds. Everyone gets 2 throws per turn!
🟡 Kindergarten Mission
Throw from Green Spot (5 ft). Knock down at least 1 pin. Focus: Step forward on the opposite foot before tossing!
🔵 Grades 1–2 Mission
Throw from Blue Spot (10 ft). Knock down the entire 6-cup pyramid in 2 throws. Count total pins fallen for team score.
🟢 Grade 3 Mission
Throw from Red Spot (15 ft). Call "King Pin" (center cup) before throwing. Hit the designated pin without knocking outer pins!
2
Hoop Landing Arc
Station Focus: Arc Trajectory & Force Modulation
Equipment: 6 Hula Hoops, Poly Spots & Yarn Balls
Game Setup
Lay 3 hoops flat in a straight line: Yellow (6 ft, 1 pt), Blue (10 ft, 2 pts), Red (14 ft, 3 pts). Throwers line up behind base spot.
Rainbow Toss
Release slightly upward so beanbag floats in an arc and lands inside the target hoop without sliding out.
Point Tracker
Each student tosses 3 beanbags in a round. Add up your score or work as a squad to reach the 15-Point Target!
🟡 Kindergarten Mission
Aim for the closest Yellow Hoop (1 pt). Land 2 out of 3 throws inside the circle. Teacher cue: "Reach up and drop it in!"
🔵 Grades 1–2 Mission
Attempt the "Ladder Run": Hit Hoop 1, then Hoop 2, then Hoop 3 in order! Calculate squad points after 2 rounds.
🟢 Grade 3 Mission
Place a cone inside the far Red Hoop. Arc beanbag directly over a raised jump rope bar to land in the hoop bucket!
Target Tossers PE Bundle • Station Practice Cards Page 1 of 2
Gym Station Cards • Print & Clip to Cones
Target Tossers Station Cards (Part 2)
Stations 3 & 4
3
Partner Pitch & Catch
Station Focus: Cooperative Rally & Distance Adjustment
Equipment: 1 Soft Ball / Beanbag Per Pair
Target Tossers Exit Ticket Ticket A • Kindergarten & Grade 1
Target Tossers Exit Ticket
Name: ______________________ Date: _________
1. Which foot steps forward when you throw with your right hand? (Circle your answer)
Left Foot
(The OPPOSITE foot)
Right Foot
(The SAME foot)
2. When throwing underhand, your arm swings like a: (Circle your answer)
Grandfather Clock Pendulum
(Straight tick-tock brush)
Helicopter Propeller
(Wide circle around body)
3. How did your target throws feel today? (Color or circle one)
⭐
Still Practicing
⭐⭐
Getting Good!
⭐⭐⭐
Toss Champion!
Indiana PE Standard 1.1.1 • Motor Skills & Movement Patterns
Cut Here Along Dashed Line
Ticket B • Grades 2 & 3
Target Tossers Exit Ticket
Name: ______________________ Date: _________
1. Number the 4 underhand throwing steps in order (1, 2, 3, 4):
SWING
Pendulum back
POINT
Waist release
FACE
Eyes on target
STEP
Opposite foot
2. If your throw goes way over the target hoop, what do you need to change about your release or force?
3. Self-Assessment: Rate your partner catch rally teamwork today:
1 - Need Help
Ball dropped often
2 - Good Rally
5+ catches in rhythm
3 - Master Passer
10+ catches stepped back
Indiana PE Standard 1.1.1 & 2.1.2 • Biomechanics & Spatial Awareness
Teacher Assessment Guide • Indiana PE Standards K–3
Observational Performance Rubric & Roster
Formative Assessment Key
Indiana PE Standards Skill Criteria by Grade
Grade Level Standard Level 1: Emerging Level 2: Competent Level 3: Advanced Kindergarten Standard 1.1.1 Throws without stepping or steps with same-side foot. Steps with opposite foot and swings back-to-front toward target. Consistently hits target; releases ball smoothly at waist level. Grades 1–2 Standard 1.1.1 / 2.1.2 Erratic arm angle; sidearm swing or delayed high release.
