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Lesson 2 - Shot Put Push Throwing Techniques

Power, Precision & Performance

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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 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

Tennis Balls

15-20

Distributed at throwing stations for individual practice

Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls, foam balls

Size 3 Footballs

8-10

Used for two-handed push throw activities

Alternative: Large soft balls, playground balls

Cones

40+

For distance markers, station boundaries, and target areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Hoops

12-15

Placed at 5m intervals as throwing targets

Alternative: Targets, buckets, marked circles

Hurdles

Set up as 'nets' for Wimbledon activity at 2m height

Alternative: Rope between poles, low barriers

Measuring Tapes

For measuring and marking throwing distances

Alternative: Metre rulers, pre-marked distance lines

Key Vocabulary

Shot Put

An athletics throwing event where athletes throw a heavy ball as far as possible

Clean Palm, Dirty Neck

The correct grip for shot put - ball rests on fingers (clean palm) against neck (dirty neck)

Push Throw

A throwing technique where the implement is pushed rather than hurled through the air

Leg Drive

Generating power from the legs by explosively extending from a low position

Base 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

Consistent use of proper grip without prompting

Visible leg drive in throwing action

Improved distances over multiple attempts

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