Shot Put

Shot Put into Hoops

Start introducing the shot put by encouraging the children to throw for accuracy not distance. You can do this by placing different sized hoops in an area that the children can throw a bean bag or ball inside (depending on the surface).

Don’t place the hoops too far away as developing the technique is important. The children will quickly realise that if they push the bean bag towards the ground the bean bag will skim out of the hoops. You are looking for a high throw that will not skim along the ground.

Shot Put - The Technique

Acquiring a variety of techniques of throwing is important. One technique is the shot put throw. Here are a few teaching points:

1. Rest bean bag on palm of hand (without gripping)

2. Tuck bean bag into neck area.

3. Stand side on, crouch down placing all the weight on one leg and aim with the free arm towards the sky.

4. Transfer the weight to the other leg and push the beanbag in the air.

You can build it up and add a side step into the sequence.

High Hoops

Encouraging the understanding of angle in their throw the children can try to throw their soft ball or bean bag through hoops. Instead of the hoops being held up by posts, you can get the children to hold them above their heads. Get the children into groups of three with one in the middle holding the hoop. Using the correct technique, the children will try to throw the soft ball or bean bag throw the hoops for their partner to catch.

Shot Put

You don’t need a shot put area to complete this activity. Using cones you can mark out an area using the picture as guidance. The children could use a beanbag and try to throw it as far as they can. Ensure the correct technique has been taught first (see above) before completing this activity as the children tend to forget the technique and throw it as far as they can.