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Safety and Benefits of Basic Skills and Techniques in Shot Put and Discus for JSS 1

JSS 1 pupils learn Safety and Benefits of Basic Skills and Techniques in Shot Put and Discus through demonstration, guided participation, safety reminders and an age-appropriate performance check.

Royal AlikorByRoyal AlikorPublishedJan 14, 2026Reading7 minComments0

Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 4
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson: Athletics (Track and Field), Shot Put and Field Layout.
Topic: BASIC SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN SHOTPUT AND DISCUS
Subject Matter: Basic skills in shot put, Basic skills in discus, Safety measures in shot put and discus, Benefits of taking part in athletics.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

  • Define shot put and discus.
  • Identify at least three basic skills in shot put.
  • Identify at least three basic skills in discus.
  • List at least four safety measures in shot put and discus.
  • State at least three benefits of taking part in athletics.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the importance of safety precautions in athletic events.
  • Value participation in athletic activities for personal development.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Demonstrate the correct grip for a shot put or discus (simulated).
  • Simulate basic stance or throwing action for shot put and discus.

Social Domain:

  • Cooperate with peers during practical demonstrations.
  • Encourage fair play and adherence to rules in sports.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Physical and Health Education.
  • State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary Schools.
  • Physical and Health Education for Junior Secondary Schools 1 by S.K. Ajala and A.O. Agboola.
  • World Athletics – Shot Put

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Pictures of shot put and discus athletes in action.
  • Video clips demonstrating basic skills in shot put and discus.
  • A real shot put and discus (or their replicas/models).

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamental techniques of shot put and discus, which are important athletic events. It also teaches them about essential safety practices and the health benefits of participating in sports, promoting a safe and active lifestyle.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have some basic understanding of athletics and different types of sporting events.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

BASIC SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN SHOTPUT AND DISCUS

What is Shot Put?

Shot put is an athletic throwing event where a heavy spherical object (the shot) is “put” or pushed from the shoulder with one hand, as far as possible.

What is Discus?

Discus is an athletic throwing event where a heavy disc-shaped object (the discus) is thrown for distance. The thrower typically spins around before releasing the discus.

Basic Skills in Shot Put

The following are basic skills in shot put:

  • Grip: The shot rests on the base of the fingers, not in the palm. The thumb provides support.
  • Stance: The thrower stands with their back to the throwing direction for the glide or rotational technique.
  • Glide/Rotation: Movement across the circle to generate momentum before the release.
  • Release: The shot is pushed from the shoulder in an upward and outward direction.
  • Reverse: A quick change of foot position after release to prevent fouling.

Basic Skills in Discus

The following are basic skills in discus:

  • Grip: The discus rests against the palm, with the fingers curled over the edge to hold it firmly.
  • Stance: The thrower stands with their back to the throwing direction.
  • Swings: Preliminary swings of the discus to build rhythm and momentum.
  • Turns/Rotation: The thrower spins one or two times across the throwing circle to generate centrifugal force.
  • Release: The discus is released with a powerful flick of the wrist and fingers.

Safety Measures in Shot Put and Discus

The following are important safety measures:

  • Always ensure the throwing area is clear of people and obstructions.
  • Throwers must always check behind them before throwing.
  • Never stand in the path of a throw.
  • Retrieve the shot or discus only when the teacher or coach gives permission.
  • Use proper throwing techniques to prevent injuries.
  • Wear appropriate athletic footwear.
  • Do not play with the shot or discus; use them only for official practice.

Benefits of Taking Part in Athletics

The following are benefits of participating in athletics:

  • Improves physical fitness and endurance.
  • Develops strength, speed, and agility.
  • Helps maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Boosts self-confidence and discipline.
  • Teaches teamwork and sportsmanship.
  • Reduces stress and improves mental well-being.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, checks attendance, and reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then introduces the new topic, “Basic Skills and Techniques in Shot Put and Discus,” by asking pupils if they know any throwing sports.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the day’s lesson.

Step 2: Basic Skills in Shot Put

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what shot put is and identifies the basic skills involved, using pictures and video clips. The teacher demonstrates the grip and a simulated stance for shot put.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the demonstrations, and identify the basic skills.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and basic skills of shot put.

Step 3: Basic Skills in Discus

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what discus is and identifies the basic skills involved, using pictures and video clips. The teacher demonstrates the grip and a simulated stance for discus.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the demonstrations, and identify the basic skills of discus.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and basic skills of discus.

Step 4: Safety Measures in Shot Put and Discus

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the importance of safety and lists various safety measures that must be observed during shot put and discus events. The teacher emphasizes why each measure is important.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion and list safety measures.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can state safety measures for throwing events.

Step 5: Benefits of Taking Part in Athletics

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a discussion on the benefits of participating in athletics, encouraging pupils to share their own experiences or knowledge.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils state and discuss the benefits of athletics.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the positive impacts of athletic participation.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

  1. Define shot put and discus in your own words.
  2. List three basic skills involved in shot put.
  3. Mention three safety measures that must be observed during throwing events.
  4. State three benefits of taking part in athletics.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of proper technique and safety in shot put and discus. The teacher then assigns homework: “Draw and label a shot put and a discus, and write a short paragraph on why safety is important in sports.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced, and pupils have an activity to consolidate learning.

Home Task: Describe or illustrate one lesson example of BASIC SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN SHOTPUT AND DISCUS and include one safety or performance rule. Do not practise a risky activity without adult supervision.

Lesson Keywords

  • Shot Put – An athletic event where a heavy spherical object is pushed from the shoulder for distance.
  • Discus – An athletic event where a heavy disc-shaped object is thrown for distance.
  • Grip – The way a thrower holds the shot or discus before throwing.
  • Stance – The position of the body before initiating a throw.
  • Release – The act of letting go of the shot or discus.
  • Foul – An infringement of the rules during a throw, leading to a disallowed attempt.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research different throwing techniques (e.g., glide vs. rotational). For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide additional visual aids and simplified explanations, focusing on identification of key elements.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that safety is paramount when discussing or demonstrating any throwing event. If practical demonstration is difficult, emphasize visual learning through pictures and videos. Encourage active participation and questioning from pupils to gauge understanding.

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Safety and Benefits of Basic Skills and Techniques in Shot Put and Discus for JSS 1
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