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Lesson 3 - Shot Put Technique and Distance

Advanced Athletic Power and Precision Development

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Light Shot Put

1 per pair (15)

Distributed around throwing area perimeter for safety

Alternative: Medicine balls, weighted bean bags, soft shot puts

Cones

30-40

Used to mark distances and create throwing lanes

Alternative: Markers, chalk marks

Measuring Tapes

For accurate distance measurement

Alternative: Trundle wheels, marked throwing area

Safety Mats

8-10

Placed in landing areas for equipment protection

Alternative: Designated safe retrieval areas

Key Vocabulary

Shot Put

A heavy spherical object thrown (put) for distance in athletics

Put

The specific technique of pushing the shot put from the shoulder, not throwing

Stance

The starting position with feet shoulder-width apart and body balanced

Extension Phase

The movement where the arm extends upward and outward to release the shot

Rotation

The turning of hips and shoulders to generate power before release

Weight Transfer

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

Consistent use of push technique rather than throwing motion

Visible improvement in distance through technique refinement

Ability to coach peers effectively

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