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Lesson 3 - Shot Put Technique and Distance

Athletic Throwing and Jumping: Whole-Body Power and Control

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Year 5

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Light Shot Put

1 per pair (15)

Check weight is appropriate for Year 5 students - maximum 2kg

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

Measuring Tapes

For measuring throwing distances

Alternative: Metre rulers, trundle wheel

Dish Cones

To mark throwing distances and create clear boundaries

Alternative: Chalk, rope, tape

Score Sheets

15 pairs

For students to record distances and peer assessments

Alternative: Mini whiteboards, clipboards

Key Vocabulary

Shot Put

A heavy spherical ball thrown (pushed) for distance in athletics

Put

To push the shot put rather than throw it - a specific technique

Extension

The phase where the arm extends up and away from the body during release

Rotation

Turning the hips and body to generate more power in the throw

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight from back leg to front leg during the throw

Stance

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

Consistent use of correct grip throughout practice

Visible rotation of hips during throw

Measurable increase in distance when combining phases

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