Lesson 2 - Shot Put Push Throwing Techniques
Power, Precision & Performance
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to generate maximum power and accuracy in throwing?
Learning Objectives
- To develop shot put throwing technique using 'clean palm, dirty neck' grip
- To generate power through leg drive and body coordination
- To throw with increasing accuracy, control and distance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved shot put technique with proper grip and stance
- Students will show increased throwing distances through better power generation
- Students will compete safely while challenging themselves to improve
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed at throwing stations for individual practice
Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls, foam balls
Used for two-handed push throw activities
Alternative: Large soft balls, playground balls
For distance markers, station boundaries, and target areas
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
Placed at 5m intervals as throwing targets
Alternative: Targets, buckets, marked circles
Set up as 'nets' for Wimbledon activity at 2m height
Alternative: Rope between poles, low barriers
For measuring and marking throwing distances
Alternative: Metre rulers, pre-marked distance lines
Key Vocabulary
An athletics throwing event where athletes throw a heavy ball as far as possible
The correct grip for shot put - ball rests on fingers (clean palm) against neck (dirty neck)
A throwing technique where the implement is pushed rather than hurled through the air
Generating power from the legs by explosively extending from a low position
A wide, stable stance with feet shoulder-width apart for balance and power
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm and underarm throwing patterns
- Understanding of force and power in movement
- Experience with target games and accuracy challenges
Current Skills
- Shot put grip technique ('clean palm, dirty neck')
- Power generation from legs and core
- Controlled release and follow-through
Next Steps
- Advanced shot put techniques including rotation
- Competition formats and officiating
- Javelin and discus throwing events
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shot put uses pushing action, not throwing - emphasise the difference throughout
- 'Clean palm, dirty neck' grip must be maintained in all activities
- Power generation comes from leg drive, not just arm strength
- Low starting position enables explosive upward movement
- Safety is paramount - ensure officials stay behind throwing lines
- Focus on technique improvement rather than just distance achievement
- Encourage positive sporting behaviour and personal challenge attitude
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking shot put is just throwing harder - emphasise push technique difference
- Belief that power comes only from arms - demonstrate leg drive importance repeatedly
- Assuming bigger students will automatically throw further - highlight technique over strength
- Thinking competition means beating others - emphasise personal improvement focus
- Believing they need to grip the ball tightly - teach relaxed finger support method
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity rotations, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement-based learning
dyspraxia
- Slower progression through technique stages, larger equipment initially, simplified grip if needed, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear activity structure with visual schedules, quiet spaces available, consistent routines at each station
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written station instructions, hand signals for communication during noisy activities
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, lighter equipment, reduced distances, focus on technique rather than distance
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, following complex instructions, peer communication during activities
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, recording and comparing data, calculating improvements, understanding angles and trajectories
Science
Forces and motion, biomechanics of power transfer, friction and air resistance affecting ball flight
PSHE
Personal challenge and goal setting, fair play and sportsmanship, cooperation and teamwork skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between circuit stations to provide individual feedback, stand where you can see all groups during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for grip technique retention, leg drive coordination, safe throwing practices, positive peer interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students revert to overarm throwing, ensure officials stay in safe positions, address any negative competition attitudes
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques clearly with exaggerated movements, ensure all students can see grip positioning, model positive sporting behaviour throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Clean palm, dirty neck!'
- •'Explode from your legs!'
- •'Push, don't throw!'
- •'Low position, then drive up!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large indoor hall with high ceiling for throwing activities
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes or obstacles, adequate run-off areas behind throwing zones
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify nets/hurdles are stable and appropriate height
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to students in throwing zones
- •Collisions during warm-up compass activity
- •Slips and falls on unsuitable surfaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing boundaries established with no students in front of throwing lines
- •Officials positioned safely behind throwers
- •Adequate spacing between warm-up groups
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple groups during circuit activities
- •Monitor compass points warm-up for collision avoidance
- •Ensure safe retrieval procedures during competition
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if required