Ready, Aim, Fire (Overarm Throw)

Demonstrating the fundamental movement skill throwing

Using the teaching cues of 'Ready, aim, fire', this activity is a fantastic introduction for all children to learn the fundamentals of the overarm throw.

ready aim fire throw set up image
Set up

If you have flat markers, spread them out in a line or have children stand behind some cones. Place a bucket of balls behind the line of markers. Set up throwing targets 3 - 10 metres in front of each marker. You can use soft toys in hoops,  laminated pictures stuck to a wall, chalk targets drawn on a wall, or coloured hoops or buckets on the ground. 

How to play
Step 1
  • Before starting the activity, introduce the skill of overarm throw. Ask children to pretend they have an imaginary ball and demonstrate the teaching cues
Step 2
  • Ask children to collect a ball and stand with their foot on a marker
  • On the command of 'Ready', 'Aim', 'Fire', all children throw the ball at a target
  • After each throw, children collect a new ball from the bucket and have another go
  • Once the bucket is empty, all children collect the balls and return them to the bucket
Step 3
  • Ask children questions:
    • What makes the ball go higher?
    • What makes the ball go further?
  • Focus on distance before accuracy
Variations
Make it easier
  • Place targets closer to allow a greater chance for success
Make it harder
  • To encourage children to throw further, set up a volleyball net (or tape tied between two poles) that children have to throw over to reach targets
  • Place more difficult targets to challenge more skilled children
  • Take away targets as children hit them. Keep going until all targets have been hit
  • Place targets in lines of difficulty e.g., targets placed at 5 metres, 10 metres etc, and allocate points for hitting each target
Activity information
Age: 2-3 years, 3-5 years
Participants: 1 +
Equipment: Flat markers (optional), Tennis balls (optional), Beanbags, Laminated pictures (optional), Hoops (optional)
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Overarm Throw
Skill teaching

Before playing 'Ready, aim, fire', demonstrate the correct throwing technique.  Have children use an 'invisible ball' to practice their big muscle arms and throwing action. Don't worry too much about technique, just encourage children to have fun exploring throwing. 

Remember the overarm throw teaching cues:

  1. Ready: Stand like a surfer (side-on)
  2. Aim: Make a muscle man (throwing arm bent up above shoulder), point non-throwing arm at the target
  3. Fire: Step on the star (step with opposite foot onto star marker) and throw
Activity summary
Physical literacy tips
  • Let children create their own targets
  • Ask children which target they are aiming for