New
New
Year 5

Shot put

I can use the correct shot put technique and understand how to use my body to throw it further.

New
New
Year 5

Shot put

I can use the correct shot put technique and understand how to use my body to throw it further.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: to throw the shot put, hold it in the fingertips, feet wide apart and the shot under the chin with elbow up.
  2. Move: when releasing the shot, rotate the hips, push straight up and away from under the chin whilst extending the arm.
  3. Think: evaluating each other's shot put technique to identify strengths and weaknesses will improve performance.
  4. Feel: continuing to practise our throws shows we have the motivation to try to improve the distance we can achieve.
  5. Connect: be supportive and encourage others when they are struggling with their performance.

Keywords

  • Shot put - an athletics event in which an athlete throws a heavy object called a "shot" as far as possible

  • Rotate - using the hips to create momentum and power before releasing the shot

  • Performance - how well we are able to execute a skill

Common misconception

Pupils just use their arm strength to throw the shot, not realising the importance of using their legs to generate power.

Ensure pupils are crouching down into their back leg and pushing off strongly to create power when releasing the shot. Remind pupils that shot put is a push, not a throw.


To help you plan your year 5 physical education lesson on: Shot put, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Using beanbags in the first cycle will allow pupils to focus on the technique and not worry about distance. Pupils will realise that if they release the beanbag towards the ground, it will skid out of the hoop, emphasising the need to push the beanbag up and high.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 shot between 2, 30+ cones, additional materials: throwing safety, 1 beanbag between 2, hoops

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment
  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which event requires an overarm throw?

triple jump
Correct answer: javelin
sprint

Q2.
Which race requires a team of runners to take turns running different sections?

sprint
long distance
Correct answer: relay

Q3.
What should you do with your throwing arm after throwing an object?

nothing
drop it
Correct answer: extend it

Q4.
Which skill can help you to work well with your team?

Correct answer: communication
winning
power

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What are you doing when you use your hips to help generate power when releasing the shot?

spinning
Correct answer: rotating
jumping

Q2.
What is a benefit of using your legs when throwing the shot?

Correct answer: generate more power
generate less power
shot goes lower

Q3.
What is one way you can improve your own throwing technique?

Correct answer: evaluating your partner
ignoring your partner
making no changes

Q4.
By continuing to practise your throwing technique, what are you motivated to try and do?

help your friends
Correct answer: improve your throws
make no changes

Additional material

Download additional material