Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Frisbee – Hammer Throw Notes
Physical & Health Education — Grade/Age: 11 (Kenya)
Topic: Frisbee • Subtopic: Hammer Throw (teaching rotational throwing skills safely)
Note: Traditional hammer throw uses a heavy ball on a wire and is not safe for children. For 11-year-olds we will teach the basic rotational throwing skills using safe equipment such as a frisbee, soft rubber ball, or light throwing ball. These skills build balance, coordination and power for throwing events.
Learning objectives
- Understand basic rotational throwing movements (stance, rotation, release).
- Perform a safe two-turn rotation and release with a frisbee or soft ball.
- Follow safety rules and work as a team during practice.
Equipment (safe, school-friendly)
- Frisbees (soft plastic) or light rubber balls/beanbags.
- Cones to mark throwing circle/area (use chalk if no cones).
- Whistle, first-aid kit, and adult supervision.
- Flat grassy field or playground free of people and obstacles.
Safety rules (must follow)
- Only one person throws at a time inside the marked circle/area.
- All others stand behind the thrower and well clear of the throwing direction.
- Check the landing area is clear before throwing.
- Use soft equipment. No metal or heavy implements for children.
- Teacher or coach stays close to give instructions and stop activity if unsafe.
Simple technique steps (using a frisbee or light ball)
1. Grip and Ready
Hold the frisbee or ball comfortably. Stand sideways to the throwing direction (non-throwing shoulder facing target). Feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Balance and Pivot
Bend slightly at the knees. Shift weight to the back foot and prepare to turn the hips and shoulders inward (like winding up).
3. Rotation (one or two turns)
Push off the back foot, rotate the hips, then the shoulders, and bring the arm forward. Keep eyes on the target. For beginners, practice a single quick rotation first.
4. Release and Follow-through
Release the frisbee or ball when your arm is pointing to the target. Let your body continue the motion (follow-through) so you finish facing the target.
Practice activities (30–40 minutes)
- Warm-up (8 min): jogging, hip circles, arm swings, gentle leg stretches.
- Station 1 — Balance and pivot (8 min): students practice stepping and pivoting without throwing — teacher checks footwork.
- Station 2 — Single rotation throws (10 min): each child does 5 throws aiming at cone targets. Emphasise safety and follow-through.
- Game — Team Target (8–10 min): teams score points by hitting target zones with frisbees. Encourages accuracy and cooperation.
Assessment ideas (simple)
- Checklist: correct stance, pivot, release, and safety behaviour (Yes/No).
- Performance: 3 throws — measure accuracy (hit target) and note improvement over attempts.
Teacher tips for Kenyan schools:
- Use soft school frisbees or locally made soft discs for safety.
- Mark a 1–2 metre safe throwing zone with chalk or stones where necessary.
- Encourage pupils to practise in small groups and take turns to avoid crowding.
Quick check (ask pupils):
- Why must we stand sideways before throwing?
- What do you do before you throw to make sure it is safe?
- How does the body help the throw (which parts move first)?
These notes link hammer-throw principles (rotation, balance, release) with frisbee practice so pupils learn safely and enjoyably.