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Training in teams for personal bests in shot put

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can work independently and safely within a small team to improve my personal best in shot put.

Key learning points

  1. Move: transferring weight from the rear leg to the front with a powerful push generates power for the throw.
  2. Move: rotation of the hips and full extension of the elbow in a coordinated movement maximises force production.
  3. Think: choosing the right starting position will lead to a strong action to support the release.
  4. Feel: focusing on following all safety rules helps to keep everyone safe.
  5. Connect: recognition of effort after a performance offers reassurance to athletes finding it challenging.

Keywords

  • Risk assessment - the process of identifying how accidents can occur and what can be done to prevent injury

  • Hazard - something that can cause harm

  • Power position - balanced stance with knees bent, ready to throw

Common misconception

You throw a shot in the shot put.

The shot put does not require any rotation around a joint. It is pushed from under the chin and touching the neck. A throw action will likely lead to injury due to the weight of the shot. However, "throw" is standard terminology for this event.

Teacher tip

The shot should be treated with respect at all times. They should not be played with or mishandled. Establish ground rules for transporting and using the equipment at the start of the lesson. Equipment should be carried and retrieved at a walking pace, and placed on the ground for the next person.

Equipment

shot puts: a variety of weights 3kg and under; 30+ marker cones; tape measures; larger weighted balls; tennis balls (equiv.)

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
Which is the correct Fosbury technique used to clear a high jump bar?

fling
flight
Correct answer: flop

Q2.
Which energy system is used in high jump?

aerobic
Correct answer: anaerobic
chemical

Q3.
What does a high jumper require?

Correct answer: strength
stamina
stability

Q4.
How do I approach the bar if I take off from the left foot?

Correct answer: the right
the left
either side

4 Questions

Q1.
The optimal release angle of a shot put is:

35°
Correct answer: 45°
55°

Q2.
Which is a suitable weighted shot for U13s?

4kg
3.5kg
Correct answer: 2.72kg

Q3.
When should a risk assessment be undertaken?

after the event
during the event
Correct answer: before the event

Q4.
How is a shot put distance accurately measured?

a whole number
Correct answer: 2 decimal places
1 decimal place

To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Training in teams for personal bests in shot put, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...