A comprehensive K-3 Physical Education lesson covering underhand and overhand throwing and catching mechanics aligned with Indiana Academic Standards, featuring tiered developmental progressions, station activities, and visual skill cues.
Partners stand 8 ft apart. Partner A tosses ball at varied trajectories (high arch or low scoop). Partner B reads trajectory in flight, sets hands in "Diamond Window" (high) or "Basket" (low), and absorbs ball softly.
Coaching Cues:
1. Eyes: Track seams to hands.
2. High: Thumbs touch (Window).
3. Low: Pinkies touch (Basket).
Tier 1 (Kindergarten)
Self-toss slow yarn ball or scarf. Let bounce once (if rubber ball) then catch with two hands.
Tier 2 (Grade 1 & 2)
Partner gently tosses foam ball. Catcher shouts "HIGH!" or "LOW!" before catching without body trap.
Tier 3 (Grade 3)
Tosser adds lateral off-center tosses. Catcher shuffles feet to square up before catching.
Safety Check: Soft tosses only; always ensure partner is watching before release. Equipment: 12 Foam Balls, 12 Yarn Balls
4
Dynamic Flight Alley
Skill: Catching on the Move & Stepping into Flight Path
Dynamic Agility Station
Setup & Action:
Set a 20 ft runway marked with poly spots. Runner jogs from Cone A to Cone B along the alley. Feeder leads the runner with a gentle chest pass or floating toss. Runner catches on the move without stopping.
Coaching Cues:
1. Feet: Keep light on toes.
2. Reach: Reach toward flight.
3. Give: Pull in like shock absorber.
Tier 1 (Kindergarten)
Walk slowly down runway, stop completely when ball is in the air, catch with two hands.
Tier 2 (Grade 1 & 2)
Jog forward at steady speed; catch tossed playground ball or foam ball cleanly while striding.
Tier 3 (Grade 3)
Cut diagonally across lane; catch over-the-shoulder or lead pass on full sprint.
Safety Check: Run in one direction only. Return along outside perimeter lane. Equipment: 4 Cones, 6 Poly Spots, 8 Foam Balls
Flight Zone Station Cards • Stations 3 & 4 Page 2 of 2
Scoop ball softly into fingers.
Pull ball gently toward stomach.
Peer Coaching Check Card (Grades 2–3)
Partner A observes Partner B (3 throws & catches)
Thrower's Name: ______________________
Observer's Name: ______________________
Skill Focus Checkpoints
Yes! (Star)
Try Again (Tip)
1. Stood sideways with non-throwing shoulder to target?
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2. Stepped forward with the OPPOSITE foot on release?
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3. Used thumbs together for high catches & pinkies for low?
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4. Caught with hands away from chest and absorbed softly?
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PE Champion Motto: "Eyes track the flight, hands make it light!"
Ball Flight Champions • Catching Mechanics & Peer Check Page 2 of 2
