Lesson 3 - Push Throw Techniques
Olympic Technique Mastery
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we generate maximum force and accuracy when push throwing like Olympic shot putters?
Learning Objectives
- Develop push throwing technique using 'clean palm, dirty neck' grip for shot put style throws
- Generate power from the legs and core to increase throwing distance and force
- Apply throwing skills in competitive situations while demonstrating good sportsmanship
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved push throwing technique with correct grip and body position
- Students will show measurable improvement in throwing distance through proper force generation
- Students will compete fairly and encourage others while challenging themselves to improve
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed at throwing stations
Alternative: Primary athletics shots, bean bags
For wall push throws and chest passes
Alternative: Large rubber balls, medicine balls (lighter)
For distance markers, station boundaries, and throwing lines
Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk lines
Arranged at 5m intervals for target throwing
Alternative: Marked circles, buckets, targets on ground
For measuring throwing distances accurately
Alternative: Metre sticks, pre-marked distance cones
Set at 2m height for 'Wimbledon' activity
Alternative: Netball posts with tape, improvised barriers
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the implement is pushed from the shoulder using fingertips rather than thrown overarm
Shot put grip technique - ball held on fingertips (clean palm) positioned at neck/shoulder area (dirty neck)
Generating power for throwing by explosively extending the legs and hips upward
Any object used for throwing activities such as shot, discus, javelin, or adapted equipment
Creating maximum power through coordinated body movements to increase throwing distance
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing action from Year 5
- Understanding of force and power from previous athletics units
- Experience with target throwing activities
Current Skills
- Shot put style push throwing technique with 'clean palm, dirty neck' grip
- Power generation from legs and core for maximum force
- Competitive throwing with measurement and progression
Next Steps
- Advanced shot put techniques including glide and spin methods
- Javelin throwing with run-up approach
- Combined athletics events and competitions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- 'Clean palm, dirty neck' grip technique is fundamental to all push throwing activities
- Power generation comes from explosive leg drive, not just arm strength
- Competitive activities should focus on personal improvement and technique over absolute distance
- Safety through proper spacing and designated officials is essential for throwing activities
- Encourage self-challenge and sportsmanship throughout all competitive elements
- Progressive challenges build confidence while maintaining technical focus
- Peer coaching and encouragement develop both technical knowledge and social skills
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Throwing harder means throwing further' - Focus on technique and leg drive for distance
- Misconception: 'Shot put is too advanced for primary school' - Adapt implements and technique appropriately
- Misconception: 'Only strong children can be good at throwing' - Technique and coordination are more important
- Misconception: 'Competition means winning at all costs' - Emphasise personal improvement and sportsmanship
- Misconception: 'Push throwing is the same as overarm throwing' - Teach distinct technique differences
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short station rotations, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, specific role assignments
dyspraxia
- Larger implements for easier grip, simplified technique stages, extra practice time, visual technique cards
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection space available, predictable rotation system
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for grip and position, partner guidance system, tactile markers for throwing lines
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, visual signal cards, written instruction sheets, partner communication support
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, adapted grip techniques, modified distance targets, alternative implements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, comparing numerical data, calculating improvement percentages, angles of trajectory
Science
Forces and motion, energy transfer from legs to implement, friction effects on throwing distance, gravity and projectile motion
Geography
Compass directions in warm-up activity, mapping throwing distances, spatial awareness and positioning
PSHE
Competitive spirit and fair play, supporting others' achievements, resilience when facing challenges, goal setting and self-improvement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of space for maximum visibility of all throwing activities, rotate between stations during circuit work
Observation Focus
Watch for correct push throw technique, leg drive power generation, competitive spirit and sportsmanship
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe throwing, technique significantly incorrect, or children not supporting each other appropriately
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show leg drive, demonstrate with different children as models, emphasise technique over distance throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Clean palm, dirty neck!'
- •'Power from the thighs!'
- •'Explode upward!'
- •'Wide base, low position!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor field minimum 30m x 20m with clear throwing zones
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate run-off areas beyond throwing zones
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls appropriate for indoor use
- •Footballs properly inflated and in good condition
- •Throwing implements suitable for age group
- •Measuring equipment safely positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Throwing implement strikes
- •Collisions in throwing areas
- •Slips during explosive leg drive movements
- •Equipment misuse or inappropriate throwing
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing directions established with no crossing zones
- •Adequate spacing between throwing lanes (minimum 5m)
- •Designated officials for safe ball return
- •Progressive skill development from soft to harder implements
- •Clear start/stop signals for all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all throwing zones
- •Monitor throwing areas for safety compliance
- •Ensure children not in throwing zones during activities
- •Check equipment condition throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activities immediately on safety signal, assess injury/incident, apply appropriate first aid, clear area of other children