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Lesson 3 - Push Throw Techniques

Olympic Technique Mastery

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

Distributed at throwing stations

Alternative: Primary athletics shots, bean bags

Size 3 Footballs

For wall push throws and chest passes

Alternative: Large rubber balls, medicine balls (lighter)

Dish Cones

For distance markers, station boundaries, and throwing lines

Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk lines

Hoops

Arranged at 5m intervals for target throwing

Alternative: Marked circles, buckets, targets on ground

Measuring Tapes

For measuring throwing distances accurately

Alternative: Metre sticks, pre-marked distance cones

Hurdles

Set at 2m height for 'Wimbledon' activity

Alternative: Netball posts with tape, improvised barriers

Key Vocabulary

Push throw

A throwing technique where the implement is pushed from the shoulder using fingertips rather than thrown overarm

Clean palm, dirty neck

Shot put grip technique - ball held on fingertips (clean palm) positioned at neck/shoulder area (dirty neck)

Drive from thighs

Generating power for throwing by explosively extending the legs and hips upward

Throwing implement

Any object used for throwing activities such as shot, discus, javelin, or adapted equipment

Force generation

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

Consistent use of correct grip throughout lesson

Visible leg drive and power generation in throws

Measurable improvement in throwing distance

Positive competitive attitude with self-challenge

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