Lesson 3 - Shot Put Technique and Distance
Advanced Athletic Power and Precision Development
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to generate maximum power when putting the shot?
Learning Objectives
- To develop correct shot put technique including stance, grip and release
- To understand how body rotation and weight transfer create greater throwing distance
- To evaluate and improve throwing technique through peer assessment
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proper shot put grip and stance
- Students will apply body rotation and weight transfer to increase distance
- Students will assess their own and others' technique accurately
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around throwing area perimeter for safety
Alternative: Medicine balls, weighted bean bags, soft shot puts
Used to mark distances and create throwing lanes
Alternative: Markers, chalk marks
For accurate distance measurement
Alternative: Trundle wheels, marked throwing area
Placed in landing areas for equipment protection
Alternative: Designated safe retrieval areas
Key Vocabulary
A heavy spherical object thrown (put) for distance in athletics
The specific technique of pushing the shot put from the shoulder, not throwing
The starting position with feet shoulder-width apart and body balanced
The movement where the arm extends upward and outward to release the shot
The turning of hips and shoulders to generate power before release
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the put
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing skills with various implements
- Understanding of javelin technique from previous lessons
- Experience with throwing for accuracy and distance
Current Skills
- Shot put grip and stance fundamentals
- Extension phase technique
- Body rotation for power generation
- Weight transfer mechanics
Next Steps
- Advanced shot put techniques including glide step
- Competition preparation and measurement
- Analysis of elite shot put performance
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shot put is pushed from shoulder, never thrown like a ball
- Grip uses fingers only, never touching the palm
- Three phases work together: weight transfer, rotation, extension
- Hip rotation initiates power, shoulders and arm follow
- Release timing is crucial for distance and safety
- Technique improvement leads to distance improvement
- Competition should maintain focus on proper technique
Common Misconceptions
- Students often try to throw the shot put like a ball - emphasise the pushing motion constantly
- Many believe strength alone determines distance - demonstrate how technique multiplies power
- Students think rotation means spinning fast - show controlled, coordinated rotation
- Some expect immediate distance improvement - explain that technique takes practice to develop
- Students may focus only on competition results - reinforce technique development over distance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break down technique into smaller chunks, provide frequent positive feedback, use movement-based learning
dyspraxia
- Use larger, easier-to-grip implements, provide additional practice time, break complex movements into simpler parts
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, visual sequence cards for technique phases, quiet practice area available
visual impairment
- Use larger, brightly coloured shot puts, provide verbal descriptions of all technique points, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written technique cards, hand signals for coaching points
physical disability
- Adapt to seated throwing position, use lighter implements, modify stance as needed for stability
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances, comparing results, calculating improvements, using angles for release trajectory
Science
Forces and motion, gravity effects on projectiles, lever systems in throwing, energy transfer
Geography
Understanding directions for throwing, mapping throwing area layouts, compass bearings
PSHE
Goal setting, resilience when learning complex skills, supporting teammates, handling competition pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between throwing stations to observe technique and provide feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, balanced stance, rotation coordination, and safe equipment handling
Intervention Points
Step in if students reverting to throwing motion, struggling with weight transfer, or showing unsafe behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate each phase slowly first, then at speed, using side-on view for rotation and front view for extension
Verbal Cues
- •'Push, don't throw!'
- •'Fingers not palm!'
- •'Weight back, then forward!'
- •'Rotate then extend!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor space with clear throwing lanes
Surface Check
Level grass or athletics area, free from holes or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check shot puts for damage before use
- •Ensure appropriate weight for age group
- •Cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Shot put strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during retrieval
- •Muscle strain from poor technique
- •Slips during weight transfer
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes with adequate spacing
- •Controlled retrieval procedures
- •Progressive skill building to prevent strain
- •Proper warm-up and technique instruction
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all throwing simultaneously
- •Monitor retrieval procedures carefully
- •Watch for technique faults that could cause injury
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required