Lesson 3 - Shot Put Throwing Technique
Throwing & Jumping Skills
•Year 4
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use our whole body to push objects further in athletics?
Learning Objectives
- Develop understanding of shot put pushing technique versus throwing
- Learn to coordinate body rotation, weight transfer and extension for distance
- Apply peer assessment skills to evaluate throwing technique
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct shot put grip and stance
- Students will execute the three phases of shot put technique progressively
- Students will evaluate their own and peers' throwing performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure age-appropriate weight - typically 2-3kg for Year 4
Alternative: Bean bags, small medicine balls, or foam balls weighted appropriately
Used to mark throwing distances and create throwing lanes
Alternative: Chalk markers or rope sections
For measuring distances and tracking improvement
Alternative: Trundle wheels or marked throwing area
Visual checklist for technique observation
Alternative: Simple checklist on whiteboard
Key Vocabulary
A heavy metal ball thrown for distance in athletics
To push the shot put rather than throw it
Straightening the arm up and away during release
Turning the hips to generate power in the push
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot for power
The balanced position with feet shoulder-width apart
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing movements from previous athletics lessons
- Understanding of javelin throwing technique from earlier in unit
- Experience with peer assessment and evaluation
Current Skills
- Shot put grip and stance technique
- Progressive phases of shot put push
- Body coordination for power generation
- Peer evaluation skills
Next Steps
- Advanced shot put competition techniques
- Other field events in athletics
- Combining throwing events in athletics competitions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shot put must be held in fingers never in palm for proper control
- Pushing technique is fundamentally different from throwing - emphasise upward and forward motion
- Three phases must be sequential: weight transfer, then rotation, then extension
- Hip rotation generates power - hips lead, shoulders and arms follow
- Consistent technique is more important than maximum distance for skill development
- Peer assessment develops observation skills and technique understanding
- Progressive phase learning builds confidence and prevents injury
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking shot put is thrown like a ball - emphasise the pushing action from under chin
- Believing strength alone creates distance - demonstrate how technique multiplies power
- Assuming all three phases happen simultaneously - show sequential timing importance
- Focusing only on arm strength - highlight hip rotation and weight transfer contribution
- Thinking heavier equipment means better throwing - explain age-appropriate progression
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent position changes, clear boundaries marked, regular positive feedback and success recognition
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique sequence, extra practice time, larger target areas for success
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and sequence cards, quiet zone for breaks, predictable partner arrangements
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured shot puts, verbal descriptions of technique phases, tactile guidance for grip and stance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, partner buddy system
physical disability
- Seated shot put version, lighter equipment options, adapted grip techniques for limited dexterity
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances, recording scores, comparing improvements using numbers and data
Science
Forces and motion - understanding how rotation and weight transfer create power
Geography
Directions and angles of release, mapping throwing distances and patterns
PSHE
Goal setting for improvement, supporting others, dealing with competition pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand to side of throwing area where all students can be seen, move between pairs during partner work
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip (fingers not palm), balanced stance, sequential technique phases
Intervention Points
Step in if grip is dangerous, technique causing strain, or competition becoming unsafe
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show common mistakes followed by correct technique, provide side and front views of each phase
Verbal Cues
- •'Fingers spread wide!'
- •'Push up and away!'
- •'Hips first, then arms!'
- •'Smooth and controlled!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with clear throwing zones
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from obstacles or hazards in throwing area
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Shot puts age-appropriate weight (2-3kg for Year 4)
- •Regular inspection of shot puts for damage or wear
- •Cones securely positioned and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Shot put collision with other students
- •Muscle strain from incorrect technique
- •Slips during weight transfer phase
- •Equipment strikes from poor grip
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes established with adequate spacing
- •All students behind throwing line when others are throwing
- •Progressive technique development to prevent strain
- •Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
- •Constant supervision during throwing activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all throwing lanes simultaneously
- •Monitor grip technique to prevent equipment dropping
- •Watch for fatigue that might affect technique safety
- •Ensure retrieval procedures are followed correctly
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess need for first aid, clear area if needed