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Lesson 3 - Shot Put Throwing Technique

Throwing & Jumping Skills

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Year 4

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

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

Light Shot Put

1 per student (30)

Ensure age-appropriate weight - typically 2-3kg for Year 4

Alternative: Bean bags, small medicine balls, or foam balls weighted appropriately

Dish Cones

30-40

Used to mark throwing distances and create throwing lanes

Alternative: Chalk markers or rope sections

Measuring Tapes

4-6

For measuring distances and tracking improvement

Alternative: Trundle wheels or marked throwing area

Score Sheets

15 (1 per pair)

Visual checklist for technique observation

Alternative: Simple checklist on whiteboard

Key Vocabulary

Shot Put

A heavy metal ball thrown for distance in athletics

Put

To push the shot put rather than throw it

Extension

Straightening the arm up and away during release

Rotation

Turning the hips to generate power in the push

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot for power

Stance

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

Consistent use of fingers not palm for grip

Balanced stance maintained throughout movement

Clear push action rather than throw action

Visible improvement in distance with technique progression

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