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Lesson 6 - Throwing for Distance and Power

Technique & Teamwork Focus

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Year 5

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our whole body to create maximum power when throwing for distance?

Learning Objectives

To develop throwing technique using weight transfer from back to front leg
To understand how body position affects throwing power and distance
To apply shot put technique with consistent high release point

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective weight transfer in throwing actions
Students will achieve greater throwing distances through improved technique
Students will understand the biomechanics of powerful throwing

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for distance markers and safety boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines for distance marking

Light Shot Put

15 (600g to 1.5kg)

One per pair for throwing practice

Alternative: Tennis balls, beanbags, or medicine balls

Tennis Balls

Used for initial weight transfer practice

Alternative: Soft play balls or foam balls

Clues Document

1 visual aid

Displayed for reference during skill teaching

Alternative: Technique poster or demonstration video

Key Vocabulary

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight from back leg to front leg during the throwing action

Shot Put

A throwing event using a heavy ball pushed from the shoulder

Release Point

The moment and position where the implement leaves the hand

Follow Through

The continued movement after releasing the implement

Power Generation

Creating maximum force through coordinated body movement

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic overarm throwing technique
Understanding of accuracy in throwing
Ability to follow safety instructions in athletics

Current Skills

Weight transfer in throwing actions
Shot put grip and stance technique
High release point execution
Power generation through body mechanics

Next Steps

Advanced shot put footwork and rhythm
Javelin throwing technique introduction
Competition throwing under pressure

Milestone Indicators

Consistent weight transfer visible in throwing action

Measurable increase in throwing distance

Ability to self-correct technique during practice

Key Teaching Points

Weight transfer is the foundation of powerful throwing - emphasise back leg to front leg movement
Sideways stance maximises potential for hip and shoulder rotation during throw
High release point creates optimal trajectory for maximum distance
Shot put is pushing action from shoulder, not traditional throwing motion
Chin-knee-toe alignment creates strongest power position
Technique consistency is more important than maximum effort initially
Team encouragement significantly impacts individual performance

Common Misconceptions

That arm strength alone determines throwing distance - emphasise whole body coordination
That shot put is thrown like a ball - stress the pushing action from shoulder position
That facing the target is best - demonstrate why sideways stance provides more power
That higher is always better - explain optimal release angle for distance
That individual effort is all that matters - highlight impact of team support on performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, frequent technique checks, movement between different activities, clear boundaries

dyspraxia

Simplified technique breakdown, extra practice time, larger targets, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual technique cards, quiet practice space available, predictable command system

visual impairment

Use bright coloured shot puts and cones, provide verbal descriptions of technique, partner guidance system

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for throwing commands, written technique cards

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, lighter implements, adapted grip techniques, modified distance expectations

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, energy transfer from potential to kinetic, biomechanics of human movement

Geography

Understanding direction and spatial awareness, mapping throwing distances, compass directions for throwing areas

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, supporting others, dealing with competition pressure, building resilience through practice

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at side of throwing area for maximum visibility of all students while maintaining safety

Observation Focus

Watch for weight transfer, high release point, safe spacing between students, and team encouragement

Intervention Points

Step in if students throwing without permission, poor technique causing safety concerns, or lack of team support

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, break down complex movements into phases, show both correct and incorrect examples

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways stance!'
•'Back leg bend!'
•'Push it high!'
•'Weight transfer - back to front!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor area or large sports hall with high ceiling

Surface Check

Level grass or suitable indoor surface, free from holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check shot puts are age-appropriate weight (600g-1.5kg max)
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Shot put strikes to other students
•Collisions during throwing activities
•Slips on wet grass surfaces
•Overexertion during explosive movements

Risk Mitigation

•Strict command system for throwing and collecting
•Minimum 3m spacing between pairs maintained
•All throwing in same direction with clear collection protocol
•Appropriate warm-up for explosive movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during throwing
•Monitor technique to prevent injury from poor form
•Enforce safety commands consistently

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required