Overlay on the Screen: The Ideal Throwing Arc

Very simple augmented reality: film the throw from the side and lay a transparency with three arcs drawn on it (flat, medium and high) over the screen to compare the ball's path. It builds distance throwing and the link between release angle and distance.

How to play

1. Warm up shoulders and trunk with easy partner throws (5 min).
2. Each group sets the tablet on a taped mark, side-on and about 8 m away; each student takes two filmed throws (6 min).
3. Play it back with the transparency over the screen: which arc does your throw match, and how far did it go? (5 min).
4. Practice without filming, adjusting the release angle toward the medium arc (5 min).
5. Second filming, comparison with the overlay, and delete the videos (4 min).

Rules

• Throw in one direction only, and nobody crosses the landing area.
• Everyone collects the balls at the same time when the teacher says so.
• The tablet stays on its mark so the comparison works.
• Only film students who give permission, and nothing gets posted.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throw from a seated position with the tablet set at the height of their throw.
• Students with visual impairments: a partner describes the arc and uses their voice to orient them toward the landing area.
• Students with shoulder discomfort: use a foam ball and throw with two hands.

Learning goals

• Improve distance throwing technique.
• Connect release angle with distance.
• Use a simple overlay on video as an analysis tool.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tablets: 5
• transparency sheets: 5
• dry-erase markers: 5
• handballs: 10
• masking tape: 1

Teacher tip

Draw the three arcs on the transparency with the tablet already in place and a reference ball at the release point. No transparencies? A clear plastic binder sleeve works.

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