Lesson 3 - Shot Put Technique and Distance
Athletic Throwing and Jumping: Whole-Body Power and Control
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to throw for maximum distance whilst maintaining safety and control?
Learning Objectives
- To develop understanding of throwing for distance using shot put technique
- To learn the three phases of shot put: stance and grip, extension, rotation and weight transfer
- To apply correct pushing technique rather than throwing technique for shot put
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct shot put grip and stance
- Students will execute extension, rotation and weight transfer phases
- Students will understand the difference between pushing and throwing techniques
Equipment & Resources Required
Check weight is appropriate for Year 5 students - maximum 2kg
Alternative: Bean bags, small medicine balls, or weighted balls
For measuring throwing distances
Alternative: Metre rulers, trundle wheel
To mark throwing distances and create clear boundaries
Alternative: Chalk, rope, tape
For students to record distances and peer assessments
Alternative: Mini whiteboards, clipboards
Key Vocabulary
A heavy spherical ball thrown (pushed) for distance in athletics
To push the shot put rather than throw it - a specific technique
The phase where the arm extends up and away from the body during release
Turning the hips and body to generate more power in the throw
Moving body weight from back leg to front leg during the throw
The balanced starting position with feet shoulder-width apart
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing actions from previous athletics lessons
- Understanding of javelin technique from earlier in unit
- Knowledge of athletic throwing events
Current Skills
- Shot put grip using fingertips not palm
- Extension phase - pushing up and away from chin
- Rotation and weight transfer for increased power
Next Steps
- Advanced shot put techniques with stepping approach
- Discus throwing technique
- Competition rules and safety protocols for throwing events
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shot put must be pushed, never thrown - emphasise this is an athletic rule
- Grip is crucial - fingers only, never touching the palm
- Three phases must be combined smoothly - weight transfer, rotation, extension
- Extension means pushing up and away from under the chin
- Hip rotation generates power - turn body toward target
- Weight transfer from back leg to front leg adds momentum
- Technique improvements lead to greater distance, not just strength
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking shot put is just about throwing hard - correct by emphasising technique over power
- Believing the shot put should be gripped like a ball - show finger-only grip repeatedly
- Assuming all throwing events are the same - highlight unique pushing technique
- Focusing only on distance - redirect attention to technique quality
- Thinking strength is most important factor - demonstrate how technique increases distance
- Confusing shot put with other throws - clearly differentiate pushing from throwing actions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter practice segments, clear boundaries marked, regular technique check-ins, opportunity to lead demonstrations
dyspraxia
- Simplified phase progression, extra practice time, larger equipment if helpful, step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Clear visual sequence cards for three phases, consistent routines, quiet area available if needed, advance warning of competition format
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured shot puts, tactile grip guidance, verbal descriptions of throwing area layout, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written technique cards, hand signals for phase timing, visual distance markers
physical disability
- Seated throwing version, lighter equipment or alternatives, adapted grip techniques, modified throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary, giving and receiving feedback, explaining techniques clearly to others
Maths
Measuring distances, comparing lengths, recording data, calculating improvements and averages
Science
Forces and motion, energy transfer, body systems during exercise, biomechanics of throwing
Geography
Angles and directions, mapping throwing trajectories, spatial awareness and positioning
PSHE
Personal challenge and goal setting, cooperation and teamwork, resilience when facing difficulties
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at side of throwing area for clear view of technique and safety
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, pushing motion, and sequential phase development
Intervention Points
["Stop immediately if students revert to throwing motion", "Intervene if grip becomes unsafe or incorrect", "Guide students struggling with phase transitions"]
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex phases, show incorrect technique for comparison, emphasise safety at all times
Verbal Cues
- •'Push, don't throw!'
- •'Fingers only, not palm!'
- •'Weight back, then forward!'
- •'Rotate then extend!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 25m x 20m for safe throwing
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, dry conditions for outdoor use
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check shot puts are appropriate weight for Year 5 (maximum 2kg)
- •Inspect for cracks or damage before use
- •Ensure adequate number to avoid sharing during throws
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Shot put impact injuries from poor throwing technique
- •Collisions in throwing area
- •Muscle strain from incorrect technique or overexertion
- •Dropped shot puts causing foot/toe injuries
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes with safe zones established
- •Only one student throwing at a time per lane
- •Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
- •Progressive skill building through three phases
- •Continuous emphasis on pushing not throwing technique
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all throwing areas
- •Monitor throwing technique for safety violations
- •Ensure shot put retrieval is done safely
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or poor technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess and provide appropriate first aid, clear equipment from injured area