Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Field Events – Puting The Short Notes
Putting the Shot (Shot Put)
Topic: Field Events — Subject: Physical and Health Education
Target age: 11 years (Primary school, Kenya)
What is putting the shot?
Putting the shot (also called shot put) is a field event where an athlete "pushes" a heavy ball (the shot) from the shoulder to make it land as far as possible inside a marked sector. We use a pushing action, not an overhand throw.
Equipment and place
- Shot (use the size and weight given by your teacher; in school use light or foam shots for beginners).
- Circle or ring (about 2.13 m diameter at competitions; school rings may be smaller).
- Tape measure for distance.
- Sector lines marked on the grass or track (an angle where the shot must land).
Safety rules
- Only one pupil in the circle at a time. Teacher or judge must supervise.
- Make sure the landing area is clear before each put.
- Wear proper shoes (trainers or spikes if coach allows). No running on wet concrete.
- Hold the shot at the neck/chin and push — do not sling or throw with the arm like a ball.
- Warm up well: jog, leg swings, shoulder circles, and a few practice pushes with a light object.
Basic competition rules (simple)
- The shot must be put from the shoulder and leave the hand above the shoulder level.
- Do not step out of the circle before the shot lands. Exiting early = foul.
- The shot must land inside the marked sector lines to be a valid put.
- Each pupil normally gets 3 attempts; the best distance is counted.
Simple step-by-step technique for beginners
- Grip and hold: Put the shot in the base of your fingers (not in the palm). Rest it against your neck under the jaw. Keep your elbow up.
- Stance: Stand at the back of the circle sideways to the direction of the throw (left shoulder forward if you are right-handed). Feet about shoulder-width apart.
- Balance: Bend the knees slightly and keep your weight on the back foot.
- Drive: Push off the back leg, move your body forward (a short glide or a step), and extend your hips and legs quickly.
- Push and release: Push the shot from the neck with a straightening arm, sending it forward and slightly upward. Release at full extension.
- Follow-through: Keep your body balanced and do not step out of the circle until the shot lands.
Fun drills for beginners
- Standing put: stand with feet together and push the shot. Focus on arm extension.
- Step put: take one small step forward and push to learn timing of legs and arm.
- Medicine ball push (light ball): practice pushing with hips and legs.
- Balance drill: stand on one leg for 20 seconds to improve stability in the circle.
Short lesson plan (45 minutes)
- 5 min: Warm-up (jogging, dynamic stretches).
- 8 min: Demonstration of grip, stance and push by teacher.
- 12 min: Practice drills in pairs (standing and step put).
- 12 min: Each pupil gets 3 attempts; measure the best put and record.
- 8 min: Cool down and short talk on safety and technique improvements.
How to mark and improve
- Measure distance from inside edge of the circle to where the shot first landed (in metres).
- Record best of three puts. Encourage steady improvement, not just a long put once.
- Coach tips: work on leg power, quick extension, and keeping elbow high.
Quick glossary
- Shot — the heavy ball used in putting.
- Circle — the ring where the athlete stands to put the shot.
- Sector — the marked area where the shot must land.
- Foul — an invalid attempt (for example stepping out of the circle early).
Remember: Practice safely, push from the shoulder, and keep improving one small step at a time. Putting the shot is about power, balance and correct technique — perfect for athletics day and school competitions.