Throwing and catching games for elementary PE are more than just fun activities—they help students develop essential motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness. These games also promote teamwork, communication, and decision-making, making them a valuable part of any PE curriculum.
In this article, we’ll explore how these games align with SHAPE standards, preview our full slate of game options with activity descriptions, and share a full lesson sample from PLT4M’s K-5 offering to help bring these skills to life in your classroom.
Creative Throwing And Catching Games For Elementary PE
One of the best things about throwing and catching games in elementary PE is that they can be played with simple, readily available equipment. PE teachers don’t need specialized gear—just a few basic essentials can create engaging and effective activities for all grade levels.
A variety of small balls, such as tennis balls, squishy balls, and soft balls, allow students to practice different levels with different types of balls. Teachers can modify and vary based on the game, activity, and what they have!
Bean bags are another great option for younger students, as they are easy to catch and control, helping build confidence before transitioning to round objects.
Beyond balls, other PE staples like hula hoops and poly spots can serve as targets, boundaries for a play area, or catching zones, adding an extra challenge and structure to games.
Whether tossing a ball into a hoop/target for accuracy or standing on a poly spot to maintain spacing, these simple tools enhance skill development while keeping activities dynamic and engaging.
With a little creativity, PE teachers can maximize the equipment they already have, ensuring students get the most out of their throwing and catching games in elementary PE class.
Get Free Sample Lessons!
Explore our K-5 Curriculum with these select Lesson Plans from some of our most popular Units. Each lesson includes a one page lesson overview, equipment checklist, game setup, teaching cues, standard alignment and more!
Standard Aligned Throwing And Catching Games For Elementary PE
Many elementary PE teachers begin with SHAPE Standard 1 (Developing a variety of motor skills) to ensure all essential motor skills are covered throughout the year. Throwing and catching games effectively address multiple SHAPE sub-standards focused on throwing and catching:
PreK-2:
1.2.8 Demonstrates catching in a variety of non-dynamic practice tasks.
1.2.9 Demonstrates throwing in a variety of non-dynamic practice tasks.
Grades 3-5:
1.5.10 Demonstrates throwing in a variety of practice tasks.
1.5.12 Demonstrates catching in a variety of practice tasks.
Beyond motor skill development, these games also support other standards like Standard 3 (Developing social skills through movement). Examples include, but are not limited to:
PreK-2:
3.2.3 Uses communication skills to share space and equipment.
3.2.7 Makes safe choices with physical education equipment.
3.2.9 Makes fair choices as directed by the teacher.
Grades 3-5:
3.5.2 Uses communication skills to negotiate roles and responsibilities in a physical activity setting.
3.5.3 Demonstrates respectful behaviors that contribute to positive social interaction in group activities.
3.5.6 Makes choices that are fair according to activity etiquette.
Incorporating engaging throwing and catching games in PE helps meet these standards while keeping students active and engaged.

Teaching Cues For Throwing Skills & Catching Skills
Proper technique is essential for developing strong throwing and catching skills in elementary PE. Teaching these skills with clear, simple cues helps students build coordination, accuracy, and confidence. Reviewing the correct form before each activity reinforces good habits and prevents common mistakes.
The steps and instructions outlined below can be adjusted based on grade level, experience, and the type of ball used. Younger students or beginners may focus on basic movements, while older or more advanced students can refine their technique with more detailed instruction.
Catching Skills & Tips:
Arms – Extend arms away from body.
Eyes – Look the ball into your hands.
Hands – Use “soft” hands to catch the ball.
Ball above waist = thumbs together.
Ball below waist=pinkies together.
Pull – Pull the ball toward your body to secure the catch.
Underhand Throw Skills & Tips:
Body – Stand facing your target.
Arm – Swing arm back.
Foot – Step with the opposite foot toward target.
Arm – Swing arm forward releasing ball between the knee and waist.
Follow Through – Follow through to target.
Overhand Throw Skills and Tips:
Body – Stand sideways to target, non-throwing arm pointing in direction of the throw.
Arm – Throwing arm back with ball in hand above shoulder height.
Step – Step with the opposite foot toward the target.
Rotate – Rotate hips and upper body (torso) as you throw.
Follow Through – Throwing arm follows through across the body.

13 Throwing and Catching Games For Elementary PE
In PLT4M’s library of over 150 elementary PE lesson plans, there are 13 throwing and catching games for elementary PE to choose from:
Bean Bag Golf – A small group game designed to practice throwing at targets from various distances on a 9-hole course.
Box Ball – A two-team game designed to practice the overhand throw at a large target.
Catch It, Keep It – A partner activity designed to practice throwing and catching from a variety of different distances.
Catch The Critters – An individual activity designed to help K-2 students work on catching a self-toss.
Champions and Challengers – An underhand tossing activity designed to help students work on throwing for accuracy in a 1v1 format.
Clean Up Your Yard – An overhand throwing activity designed to get students working on multiple overhand throws in a large-group format.
Decorate The Cookie – A K-2 underhand tossing activity designed to help students practice their throwing accuracy at a target.
Frisbee Pin Knockdown – A large group frisbee throwing activity designed to help students work on throwing a frisbee with accuracy at a target.
Hula Moolah – A Throwing activity designed to help students work on throwing for accuracy in a 1v1 format while they wager money.
Make It, Take It – A throwing for accuracy activity that can be played individually, with a partner, or in a group.
Move The Mat – A throwing for activity with a partner that works on communication and teamwork.
Move The Pin – An overhand throwing activity designed to help students work on throwing for accuracy in a 2v2 format.
Over The Fence – An overhand throwing activity designed to get students working on multiple overhand throws in a large-group format.
Learn more about our full slate of elementary PE lesson plans made in partnership with our K-5 expert Mike Graham.
Get Free Sample Lessons!
Explore our K-5 Curriculum with these select Lesson Plans from some of our most popular Units. Each lesson includes a one page lesson overview, equipment checklist, game setup, teaching cues, standard alignment and more!
Sample Lesson From PLT4M’s Throwing And Catching Games For Elementary PE
Check out one of PLT4M’s throwing and catching games for elementary PE. Featured in this blog is “Catch It, Keep It.”
In each lesson, PLT4M provides the following materials and resources for successful implementation of fun and exciting pe games and activities:
Equipment Checklist
Game Set Up
Step by Step Directions
Best Practices












Key Takeaways On Throwing And Catching Games For Elementary PE
There are countless ways to make throwing and catching games a staple of your PE program!
With a mix of overhand and underhand throws game variations, students can develop accuracy, power, and coordination through a variety of engaging activities.
From individual challenges that build fundamental skills to partner-based games that encourage teamwork and communication, there are endless opportunities for practice.
Large-group games add excitement and movement, creating a dynamic environment for skill development.
No matter the format, these games provide fun and effective ways to enhance throwing and catching in any elementary PE curriculum.