B. Active Living / C. Movement Competence · Active, Fit and Skilful

Sending and Receiving: Throw, Catch, Kick and Trap

C1 A1.4 A1.1About 40 minutes

Learning goals

I can send objects of different shapes and sizes in different ways, like an underhand throw, an overhand throw, a roll and a kick.
I can receive objects at high, medium and low levels using my hands, feet and body.
I can choose equipment that helps my partner and me feel safe and comfortable.
I can use the opposite foot when I throw.

Words to know

send
To move an object away from you, by throwing, rolling, kicking or striking it.

receive
To take control of an object that comes to you, by catching or trapping it.

overhand throw
A throw where your arm goes back above your shoulder and comes forward high.

trap
To stop a moving ball with your foot, leg or body.

follow through
Letting your arm or leg keep moving toward the target after you let go or kick.

target
The place or person you aim at.

Sock toss warm-up

Roll some socks into a ball. Toss them to yourself: high above your head, at your tummy, and down low by your knees. Catch each one.

Was one level harder to catch? Today you will learn how to catch at every level, and how to send objects in new ways.

Remember from Grade 1

You learned the underhand throw (swing low, step with the opposite foot, follow through), catching with soft hands, and kicking and trapping a ball with the inside of your foot.

This year you will add the overhand throw, catch at different levels, and send and receive objects of different shapes and sizes with different body parts.

A red playground ball, a soccer ball, four coloured beanbags and orange cones on a gym floor. — Balls and beanbags come in different shapes and sizes. Each one needs a slightly different way to throw, kick or catch it. AI-generated image

The overhand throw

Use it to throw far or hard, like a snowball (at a target, never at people!).

Side on: stand with your non-throwing shoulder pointing at the target.
Arm back: bring the ball back, up above your shoulder, elbow up high.
Step: step toward the target with the opposite foot (right hand throws → left foot steps).
Throw: turn your hips and chest to face the target as your arm comes forward.
Follow through: your throwing hand finishes across your body, down by the opposite hip.

The overhand throw for a right-handed thrower, aiming to the right. The right hand throws, so the left foot steps toward the target.

Catching at different levels

High (above your chest): hands up, thumbs together making a "W".
Medium (at your tummy): hands make a basket, pinkies together.
Low (below your waist): pinkies together, bend your knees to get low.

Always: watch the object into your hands, reach, then give (pull it in softly).

Catch high with thumbs together, catch at your tummy with a basket, and catch low with pinkies together and bent knees.

Object	Good ways to send it	Good ways to receive it
Beach ball (big, light)	Two-hand push, bump with forearms	Two-hand catch, hug in
Rolled socks or beanbag	Underhand toss, overhand throw	Catch with one or two hands
Soccer ball	Kick with inside of foot, roll	Trap with foot or thigh
Scarf	Toss it up	Catch with hand, elbow or knee
Flying disc (soft)	Backhand flick	Clap catch (one hand above, one below)
Pool noodle ring or hoop	Roll it along the ground	Stop it with your hand

Objects of different shapes and sizes can be sent and received in different ways.

Make it comfortable for everyone

If your partner flinches or looks worried when you throw, choose a softer or bigger object, like a beach ball or a scarf, or move closer and throw more gently. When everyone feels safe, everyone has more fun and learns faster.

Just for fun

What did the ball say to the catcher after practice?

"Catch you later!"

Worked example

Let's fix an overhand throw

Owen throws with his right hand. He steps with his right foot and faces the target the whole time. His throw is weak. What can he change?

Check the feet: right hand throws → he should step with his left foot.
Check the body: he should start side on, left shoulder pointing at the target.
Turn: as he throws, he turns his hips and chest to face the target. This adds power.
Follow through: his right hand finishes down by his left hip.

Owen should stand side on, step with his left foot, turn as he throws, and follow through. Now his throw goes farther.

Worked example

Let's choose the right equipment

Hana wants to play catch with her little cousin Theo, who is 4. Theo is scared of balls. What should Hana use?

Think about Theo: he is small and feels scared.
Choose: a scarf or a big, soft beach ball. They move slowly and don't hurt.
Change the distance: stand close, about 2 big steps apart.
Send gently: a soft underhand toss to his tummy (medium level).
Cheer for every catch and every try.

A scarf or a big, soft ball, thrown gently from close up. Hana is showing kindness by adjusting the game for Theo.

Hands-on activity

Target and catch stations

You need: rolled socks or beanbags, a soft ball, a laundry basket or box, a beach ball or balloon, and a partner. Play outdoors or in a clear room.

Basket toss: stand 3 big steps from a laundry basket. Underhand toss 5 socks in. Step back and try overhand.
Wall target: tape a paper plate on an outside wall (or use a tree). Throw a soft ball overhand at it 10 times. Switch hands for 5 more.
Level catch: your partner tosses high, medium and low. Call out "thumbs", "basket" or "pinkies" as you catch.
Body part challenge: keep a balloon in the air using hands, then knees, then feet. (A grown-up blows up the balloon. If it pops, a grown-up picks up every piece right away, because balloon pieces are a choking hazard.)
Kick and trap: kick a soft ball to your partner with the inside of your foot. They trap it with the bottom of their foot. Switch.

Keep score: how many catches out of 10 at each level?

Your turn

When you throw overhand with your left hand, which foot steps forward?

How should your hands be to catch a ball above your chest?

How should your hands be to catch a ball below your waist?

Name three ways to send an object.

Name two ways to receive an object.

Your friend flinches when you throw a hard ball. What can you change?

Do it and check: Throw rolled socks overhand at a target 5 times.

More practice: warm-up

Is catching a ball sending or receiving?

Is kicking a ball sending or receiving?

What should your eyes do when you catch?

Which is easier to catch for a beginner: a scarf or a small hard ball?

Do it and check: Roll a ball to a partner along the floor.

More practice: on your own

When would you use an overhand throw instead of an underhand throw?

Why do you give (pull your hands in) when you catch?

Name a body part, other than your hands or feet, you can use to receive a ball.

Rami's kicks keep going sideways. Where should his kicking foot point after the kick?

Do it and check: Toss and catch with yourself at a high, then medium, then low level.

Challenge

Explain why the overhand throw goes farther when you turn your hips and chest.

Make up a game for two people that uses two different ways to send and two different ways to receive. Explain it.

Throw 10 overhand with your strong hand and 10 with your other hand at a target. Compare. Why practise both?

Check your understanding

Quiz

You throw overhand with your right hand. Which foot steps forward?

How should your hands be to catch a ball high above your chest?

Which is a way to receive a ball with your foot?

When is an overhand throw best?

Your partner is scared of the ball. What is the kindest choice?

What does follow through mean?

For parents and teachers

Big idea: Grade 2 students send objects of different shapes and sizes at different levels and in different ways, and receive them at different levels using different body parts. The key new skills are the overhand throw (opposite foot, side-on, rotate, follow through) and catching at high, medium and low levels.

How to help at home:

Play catch for 10 minutes with soft objects (socks, beanbags, a beach ball, a balloon).
Vary the level of your tosses so your child practises all three hand positions.
Practise with both hands and both feet.

Common difficulties:

Stepping with the same foot as the throwing arm. Put a piece of tape on the "step" shoe.
Closing eyes or turning away. Use softer, slower objects (scarf, balloon) until confidence builds.
Kicking with the toe. Encourage the inside of the foot for passes.
Never throw snowballs or hard objects at people. Use a wall or tree target.

Social-emotional link (strand A): adjusting equipment so everyone is comfortable shows empathy (A1.4) and helps partners manage fear (A1.1).