Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson: Safety and Benefits of Basic Skills and Techniques in Shot Put and Discus.
Topic: EXECUTION OF BASIC SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN DISCUS AND SHOTPUT
Subject Matter:
i. Discus carriage and stance
ii. Discus throw and follow through
iii. Shot put grip and stance
iv. Shot put put and follow through
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define discus and shot put.
- Identify the correct carriage and stance for discus.
- State the proper grip and stance for shot put.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of safety during athletic activities.
- Show willingness to participate in discus and shot put drills.
- Cooperate with peers during practice sessions.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate the basic carriage and stance for discus.
- Execute the basic throw and follow through for discus.
- Perform the basic grip and stance for shot put.
- Execute the basic put and follow through for shot put.
Social Domain:
- Work collaboratively in groups to practice the skills.
- Exhibit good sportsmanship during practical sessions.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Physical and Health Education JSS 1-3.
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary Schools.
- Omoruan, J.C. (2012). Physical and Health Education for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 1. Aflon Limited.
- YouTube: Basic Discus Throw Techniques (Illustrative example)
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Field/open ground
- Discus (training or actual)
- Shot put (training or actual)
- Charts showing diagrams of discus and shot put techniques
- Video clips demonstrating basic skills in discus and shot put
- Cones or markers
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils to understand and safely perform the fundamental skills involved in discus and shot put. Learning these techniques enables pupils to participate correctly in track and field events and develop their physical coordination and strength.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are assumed to have basic knowledge of athletics and general safety rules in sports, as well as some understanding of throwing and pushing movements.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
EXECUTION OF BASIC SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN DISCUS AND SHOTPUT
Discus Carriage and Stance
Discus is a track and field event where an athlete throws a heavy disc called a discus. Proper carriage and stance are essential for a powerful and controlled throw.
The following are key aspects of discus carriage and stance:
- Carriage: The discus is held flat in the palm of the throwing hand, with fingers evenly spread over the edge, and the thumb resting lightly on top. The wrist is slightly extended.
- Starting Stance: The athlete stands with feet shoulder-width apart, back facing the throwing direction. The discus is held away from the body, and the non-throwing arm is extended for balance.
- Pre-turn Stance: The athlete shifts weight to the back leg, initiating a winding motion, turning the shoulders and hips away from the direction of the throw.
Discus Throw and Follow Through
The discus throw involves a rotational movement to generate speed and power, followed by a release and balance.
The following are the steps for discus throw and follow through:
- Rotation: The athlete performs a swift, controlled turn across the throwing circle, transferring weight from one leg to the other, building momentum.
- Release: As the athlete faces the throwing direction, the throwing arm extends, and the discus is released with a powerful flick of the wrist and fingers, aiming for optimal trajectory.
- Follow Through: After release, the athlete continues the motion, maintaining balance to avoid stepping out of the throwing circle. The body rotates naturally, and the throwing arm extends fully.
Shot Put Grip and Stance
Shot put is a track and field event where an athlete “puts” (pushes) a heavy spherical ball called a shot put as far as possible. Correct grip and stance are fundamental for an effective push.
The following are key aspects of shot put grip and stance:
- Grip: The shot put is held at the base of the fingers, not in the palm. The fingers are slightly spread, and the thumb provides support.
- Placement: The shot put rests against the neck, just below the ear, with the elbow pointing outwards and slightly upwards.
- Stance (Glide Technique): The athlete stands with their back to the throwing direction, feet shoulder-width apart. The body is low, and weight is primarily on the back leg. The non-throwing arm is used for balance.
Shot Put Put and Follow Through
The shot put involves a powerful pushing motion to propel the shot put, followed by a controlled recovery.
The following are the steps for shot put put and follow through:
- Glide/Rotation: The athlete initiates a smooth, powerful glide across the throwing circle or a rotational movement, transferring weight and building momentum.
- Power Position: The body is in a strong, coiled position, with hips and shoulders aligned towards the throwing direction, ready for the explosive push.
- Put (Release): The athlete extends the legs, hips, and chest in a powerful, upward and forward motion, pushing the shot put with the arm, wrist, and fingers.
- Follow Through: After the shot is released, the athlete maintains balance to avoid stepping out of the circle, often by reversing foot positions. The body continues its natural extension.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction/Warm-up
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils through a brief warm-up session, including light jogging, stretching, and arm rotations. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Execution of Basic Skills and Techniques in Discus and Shot Put” and states the lesson objectives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate actively in the warm-up exercises and listen attentively to the teacher’s introduction and objectives.
Learning Point: Pupils are physically prepared for the lesson and aware of the learning goals.
Step 2: Discus Carriage and Stance
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the correct way to hold (carriage) the discus and the proper starting and pre-turn stances. The teacher uses charts and video clips to reinforce the demonstration.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration, watch the video clips, ask questions, and practice the carriage and stance with or without a discus.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can attempt the basic discus carriage and stance.
Step 3: Discus Throw and Follow Through
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the rotational movement, release, and follow-through for the discus throw, emphasizing safety and proper technique. The teacher then guides pupils to practice these movements.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and practice the throwing motion and follow-through, initially without a discus, then with a light training discus if available.
Learning Point: Pupils can execute the basic discus throw and follow-through movements.
Step 4: Shot Put Grip and Stance
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the correct grip for the shot put and the proper starting stance (e.g., glide technique). Charts and video clips are used for clarity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration, watch video clips, and practice the shot put grip and stance.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can attempt the basic shot put grip and stance.
Step 5: Shot Put Put and Follow Through
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the “put” (pushing) motion and the follow-through for the shot put, stressing the explosive power and balance. The teacher then guides pupils in practicing the movements.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and practice the shot put motion and follow-through, initially without a shot put, then with a light training shot put if available.
Learning Point: Pupils can execute the basic shot put and follow-through movements.
Step 6: Supervised Practice and Correction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Coaching/Correction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher supervises pupils as they practice both discus and shot put techniques, providing individual feedback and correcting common errors. The teacher encourages peer feedback.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice the skills, receive feedback, and make corrections as guided by the teacher and peers.
Learning Point: Pupils refine their understanding and execution of the basic skills.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- How should the discus be held (carriage) before a throw?
- Describe the basic starting stance for discus.
- What is the correct grip for holding a shot put?
- Explain the follow-through action after putting the shot put.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 0 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of correct technique and safety in discus and shot put. The teacher assigns homework: “Practice the basic stances for discus and shot put at home.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks to reinforce their skills.
Home Task: Describe or illustrate one lesson example of EXECUTION OF BASIC SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN DISCUS AND SHOTPUT and include one safety or performance rule. Do not practise a risky activity without adult supervision.
Lesson Keywords
- Discus – A heavy disc thrown in an athletic contest.
- Shot Put – A heavy spherical ball pushed from the shoulder in an athletic contest.
- Carriage – The way the discus is held before throwing.
- Grip – The way the shot put is held in the hand.
- Stance – The position of the feet and body before starting a throw or put.
- Follow Through – The continuation of a movement after the main action (throw/put) is completed, important for balance and power.
Differentiation
For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide additional individual demonstrations and simplified drills, focusing on one aspect of the technique at a time. More advanced pupils will be encouraged to assist peers and attempt to refine their technique for greater distance or accuracy under supervision.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure a safe throwing area is established before starting practical activities. Emphasize safety rules regarding throwing and retrieving equipment. Use soft or training equipment if actual discus and shot put are not available or if pupils are very new to the sport. Encourage positive reinforcement and provide constructive feedback to pupils.

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