Shot Put (Basic skills and rules)

Introduction

Learning Outcome: At the end of the lesson students should be able to:

  • Define the terms; shotput, rules, and skills in your own words 
  • Identify basics rules and skills of shotput 
  • Demonstrate 2 Basic rules and skills of shotput 

Shot put is a track and field event where an athlete throws a heavy metal ball, called a shot, as far as possible. Instead of throwing it like a ball, the athlete pushes it forward from their shoulder using strength and skill. The event takes place inside a circular area, and the athlete must stay inside the circle while making the throw. The distance from the circle to where the shot lands is measured, and the athlete with the longest throw wins. Shot put requires a combination of power, balance, and proper technique to achieve the best result.

Click this link to see the image of Shotput: https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-shot-put-image23354533

New words 

  • Shotput: The shot put is a track-and-field event involving "putting" (throwing) a heavy spherical ball the shot as far as possible.
  • Skills: the ability to do something well
  • Rules: the instructions or guidelines that tell players what they can and cannot do in a game or sport.
Task

Shot Put – Individual Activity Sheet

Part 1: True or False (5 marks)

Read each statement carefully. Write T for True or F for False.

  1. The shot must be thrown like a baseball. 

  2. You must stay inside the circle until the shot lands. 

  3. The shot is held at the base of your fingers, not in your palm. 

  4. You can step over the front line of the circle after you release the shot.

  5. The goal in shot put is to throw the shot as far and safely as possible. 

Part 2: Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Answer the questions in full sentences.

  1. What is the correct way to hold the shot?

  2. Name two important safety rules in shot put.

  3. What part of your body provides most of the power when putting the shot?

Group work 

  • Divide the class into groups of 4–5 students.

  • Each group practices the five key stages of the shot put:

    1. Grip

    2. Stance

    3. Glide/Power Position

    4. The Put (release)

    5. Follow-through

  • Each team creates a short demonstration (1–2 minutes) showing correct form for each stage.

  • The group can use a light ball or foam shot for safety.

  • After practicing, each group performs their routine for the class.

Process

Basic Skills

  1. Grip

    • Hold the shot at the base of your fingers, not the palm.

    • Spread your fingers slightly for control.

  2. Stance

    • Stand inside the throwing circle.

    • Feet shoulder-width apart.

    • Shot rests under your chin, elbow high.

  3. Positioning

    • Face the back of the circle.

    • Bend your knees and keep your weight low.

  4. The Glide (or Power Position)

    • Push off your back leg and slide across the circle.

    • Land with your feet apart and ready to throw.

  5. The Put (Throw)

    • Extend your arm quickly, pushing the shot forward and upward (not a throw!).

    • Finish with your arm straight and body facing forward.

  6. Follow Through

    • After releasing, step forward to balance and stay inside the circle.

 Basic Rules

  1. The shot must be put, not thrown or flicked.

  2. The athlete must start and finish the throw inside the circle.

  3. The shot must land within the marked sector (the lines that form a “V” shape).

  4. You must not step on or over the circle’s rim before the shot lands.

  5. Each athlete usually gets three throws — the longest legal throw counts.

  6. The shot must be metal and of the correct weight (usually 3–7 kg depending on age and level).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iM5tVbsXt4&t=37s

 

Evaluation

Individual activity 

True and False 

  1. F
  2. T
  3. T
  4. F
  5. T

Answering Questions 

  1. Hold the shot at the base of your fingers, resting under your chin. The palm should not support it.

  2. Always stay inside the throwing circle until the shot lands and Make sure no one is standing in front of you when you throw.

  3. The legs and body (hips, legs, and torso) provide most of the power, not just the arm.

Shot Put Group Activity Evaluation Sheet

Activity: Shot Put Technique Challenge

Group Members: _______________________________________

Date: ____________________

Teacher: ____________________

Marking Rubric / Evaluation (Total: 20 Marks)

Criteria Excellent (4 marks) Good (3 marks) Satisfactory (2 marks) Needs Improvement (1 mark) Mark
1. Teamwork & Cooperation All members participate equally, communicate clearly, and help each other. Most members cooperate and share roles fairly. Some teamwork shown; a few members less involved. Little cooperation or uneven participation. /4
2. Technique & Accuracy All 5 stages shown correctly with smooth, accurate movements. Most stages correct; minor errors in technique. Basic understanding but several mistakes. Technique incorrect or unsafe. /4
3. Safety Awareness Always uses correct safety procedures; handles equipment carefully. Mostly safe; minor lapses. Occasionally unsafe or careless. Frequently ignores safety rules. /4
4. Effort & Participation Excellent energy and enthusiasm; full involvement from all. Good effort from most students. Some participation; inconsistent effort. Low effort or off-task. /4
5. Presentation / Communication Clear, confident, and creative demonstration with explanation or teamwork shown. Clear demonstration with minor hesitation. Basic presentation; limited communication. Unclear, unorganized, or incomplete presentation. /4

Total Marks: ____ / 20

Teacher Comments:

Conclusion

Mark the activity individually 

Thank the students and their great effort 

conclude the lesson by questioning them 

 

 

Credits

YouTube. (n.d.). Shot Put Technique Tutorial [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iM5tVbsXt4&t=37s

Dreamtime. (n.d.). Shot put [Stock photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-shot-put-image23354533

Teacher Page

Subject: Physical Education

Topic: Shot Put

Duration: 60 minutes

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Define the terms shot put, rules, and skills in their own words.

  2. Identify basic rules and skills of shot put.

  3. Demonstrate 2 basic rules and 2 skills of shot put.

Lesson Overview

Shot put is a track-and-field event in which an athlete pushes a heavy metal ball, called a shot, as far as possible. Unlike a baseball throw, the shot is pushed from the shoulder, requiring a combination of strength, balance, and proper technique. The throw must occur within a circular area, and distance is measured from the circle to where the shot lands.

Visual Resource: Shot Put Image

Key Vocabulary

Term Definition
Shot put A track-and-field event where a heavy ball is "put" (pushed) as far as possible.
Skills The ability to perform a task well.
Rules Guidelines that dictate what players can or cannot do in a sport.

Teacher Notes on Task

Activity: Shot Put – Individual & Group Tasks

Individual Activity Sheet

Part 1: True or False (5 marks)

  • Answers:

    1. The shot must be thrown like a baseball → F

    2. You must stay inside the circle until the shot lands → T

    3. The shot is held at the base of your fingers, not in your palm → T

    4. You can step over the front line of the circle after you release the shot → F

    5. The goal in shot put is to throw the shot as far and safely as possible → T

Part 2: Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

  • Sample Answers:

    1. Hold the shot at the base of your fingers, resting under your chin; do not hold it in your palm.

    2. Always stay inside the circle until the shot lands; ensure no one is standing in front.

    3. Legs and body (hips, torso, and legs) provide most of the power, not just the arm.

Group Activity

Activity: Shot Put Technique Challenge

  • Group Size: 4–5 students

  • Instructions:

    1. Each group practices 5 key stages of shot put:

      • Grip

      • Stance

      • Glide / Power Position

      • The Put (release)

      • Follow-through

    2. Use a light ball or foam shot for safety.

    3. Each group performs a 1–2 minute demonstration for the class.

Evaluation Rubric (20 marks total)

Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Satisfactory (2) Needs Improvement (1) Mark
Teamwork & Cooperation All members participate equally Most members cooperate Some teamwork shown Little cooperation /4
Technique & Accuracy All 5 stages correct Most stages correct Basic understanding Technique unsafe /4
Safety Awareness Always safe Mostly safe Occasionally unsafe Frequently unsafe /4
Effort & Participation Excellent energy Good effort Some participation Low effort /4
Presentation / Communication Clear, confident, creative Clear with minor hesitation Basic presentation Unclear/unorganized /4
Total         ____ /20

Teacher Notes:

  • Emphasize safety first: no stepping outside the circle before release.

  • Monitor each group for correct technique and participation.

  • Encourage peer feedback after each demonstration.

Basic Shot Put Technique

Grip: Hold at base of fingers, fingers slightly spread.

Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, shot under chin, elbow high.

Positioning: Face back of circle, knees bent, weight low.

Glide/Power Position: Push off back leg, slide, land feet apart.

Put/Throw: Extend arm forward, push upward, body facing forward.

Follow-through: Step forward to balance, remain inside circle.

Basic Rules

  1. The shot must be put, not thrown or flicked.

  2. Athlete must start and finish inside the circle.

  3. Shot must land within the marked sector.

  4. Do not step on or over the circle rim before release.

  5. Each athlete typically has three throws, with the longest legal throw counting.

  6. The shot must be metal and the correct weight (3–7 kg depending on age/level).

Conclusion

  • Review key skills and rules with students.

  • Ask reflective questions such as:

    • Which stage of the shot put did you find most challenging?

    • Why is it important to follow the rules for safety?

  • Praise effort and teamwork.

Credits

  • YouTube. (n.d.). Shot Put Technique Tutorial. Link

  • Dreamstime. (n.d.). Shot put [Stock photograph]. Link

Duration: 60 minutes