Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 3
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Field Events
Previous Lesson: Discus: Meaning, Skills, Equipment and Rules.
Topic: Track And Field Event (Hammer)
Subject Matter: Meaning of hammer throw, basic skill and technique, equipment and facilities, rules and regulations.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define hammer throw.
- Mention the equipment and facilities used in hammer throw.
- State at least three rules and regulations of hammer throw.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of safety precautions in hammer throw.
- Develop interest in participating in throwing events.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate the basic grip and initial swings of the hammer.
- Identify the correct stance and release point for a hammer throw.
Social Domain:
- Show respect for rules and regulations in sports.
- Work collaboratively during practical demonstrations.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Physical and Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2.
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Hammer (for demonstration)
- Measuring tape
- Writing materials
- Textbooks
- Diagrams or pictures showing hammer throw techniques.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamentals of hammer throw, including its techniques and safety measures. It promotes physical fitness and an appreciation for track and field events, which are important for overall well-being and sportsmanship.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of other track and field throwing events like shot put or discus.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Track and Field Event: Hammer Throw
Meaning of Hammer Throw
Hammer throw is a track and field throwing event where athletes attempt to throw a heavy metal ball attached to a wire and handle for the maximum possible distance. The throw is made from a circular throwing area.
Basic Skills and Techniques in Hammer Throw
The following are essential skills and techniques for hammer throw:
- Grip: The handle is held with the fingers of both hands, typically with the non-dominant hand on top, covering the dominant hand. The grip should be firm but not rigid.
- Swings (Winds): The hammer is swung in a circular motion around the body, usually 2-3 times, to build momentum before the turns.
- Turns (Rotations): Athletes perform 3-4 turns inside the throwing circle, rotating their body to generate centrifugal force and speed for the hammer.
- Release: The hammer is released at the optimal angle (typically around 40-45 degrees) and speed during the final turn to achieve maximum distance.
- Safety: Always ensure the throwing area is clear, wear appropriate footwear, and follow instructions from officials or coaches.
Equipment and Facilities for Hammer Throw
The following are used in hammer throw:
- Hammer: Consists of a metal ball (7.26 kg for men, 4 kg for women), a steel wire (approx. 1.22m long), and a handle.
- Throwing Circle: A concrete or asphalt circle with a diameter of 2.135 meters from which the throw is made.
- Safety Cage: A protective cage surrounding the throwing circle to prevent the hammer from accidentally flying out into spectators or other athletes.
- Measuring Tape: Used to measure the distance of the throw from the throwing circle to where the hammer lands.
- Landing Area: A designated sector where the hammer must land for the throw to be valid.
Rules and Regulations in Hammer Throw
The following are rules and regulations in hammer throw:
- The thrower must remain within the throwing circle until the hammer lands.
- The hammer must land within the designated landing sector.
- The athlete must enter and exit the circle from the rear half.
- Gloves are permitted to protect the hands.
- Each competitor usually gets three to six attempts, with the longest valid throw counting.
- A foul throw occurs if the hammer lands outside the sector, if the athlete steps outside the circle before the hammer lands, or if the hammer breaks during the throw.
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, reviews the previous lesson on track and field events, and introduces the new topic: Hammer Throw.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall the previous lesson, and listen attentively to the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the day’s lesson.
Step 2: Meaning of Hammer Throw
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of hammer throw, describing it as a throwing event where a weighted ball on a wire is thrown for distance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of hammer throw.
Step 3: Basic Skills and Techniques
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the basic skills and techniques in hammer throw, including the grip, initial swings, turns, and release, emphasizing safety.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, take notes, and ask questions. Some pupils may practice the grip and initial swings under supervision.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the fundamental skills of hammer throw.
Step 4: Equipment and Facilities
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher mentions and describes the essential equipment and facilities used in hammer throw, such as the hammer, throwing circle, and safety cage.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify the equipment, and write down the names of the items.
Learning Point: Pupils know the necessary equipment and facilities for hammer throw.
Step 5: Rules and Regulations
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher enumerates and explains the basic rules and regulations governing hammer throw competitions, including valid throws and fouls.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully and note down the key rules and regulations.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the rules that govern hammer throw.
Step 6: Class Discussion and Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a brief discussion on the importance of technique and safety, and allows pupils to practice the grip and initial swings without the actual hammer.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion and practice the demonstrated skills in groups or individually.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and practical application of the lesson.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is hammer throw?
- Mention two essential equipment used in hammer throw.
- List three basic skills involved in hammer throw.
- State two rules and regulations for hammer throw.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson and gives an assignment to research famous hammer throw athletes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.
Lesson Keywords
- Hammer throw – A track and field event where a weighted ball on a wire is thrown for distance.
- Grip – The way an athlete holds the hammer handle.
- Swings – The initial circular movements of the hammer to build momentum.
- Turns – The rotations an athlete makes within the circle to generate force.
- Release – The moment the hammer is let go by the athlete.
- Safety cage – A protective barrier around the throwing circle.
Differentiation
For visual learners, the teacher will use diagrams and live demonstrations. Kinesthetic learners will benefit from practicing the grip and initial swings. Auditory learners will engage through explanations and discussions. Struggling pupils will receive additional guidance during practice sessions, while advanced pupils can be challenged to explain the physics behind the throw.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure a safe environment for demonstrations, especially when handling the actual hammer. Emphasize safety precautions throughout the lesson. Encourage pupils to ask questions and participate actively. If a real hammer is not available, use a substitute for demonstrating grip and swings.

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