Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 3
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson: Importance of Food, Eliminate Hunger.
Topic: ATHLETICS (TRACK AND FIELD)
Subject Matter: Shotput: Discussion, Drawing and labelling the sectors of shotput field and its dimensions.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define shotput.
- Identify the basic equipment used in shotput.
- State some fundamental rules of shotput.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of rules and safety in sports.
- Show interest in learning about track and field events.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Draw and label the sectors of a shotput field.
- State the correct dimensions of the shotput circle and sector.
Social Domain:
- Participate actively in classroom discussions.
- Collaborate with peers to understand the sport.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Basic Science and Technology for Junior Secondary Schools Book 1
- https://www.worldathletics.org/disciplines/throws/shot-put
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k91_B_f6n3E
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A diagram or chart showing the shotput field.
- Measuring tape (for demonstration of dimensions).
- Pictures or videos of shotput events.
- Whiteboard and markers.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand one of the important throwing events in athletics, shotput. It enables them to know the rules, equipment, and how the field is set up, which is useful for sports knowledge and physical education.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should have a basic understanding of track and field events and the general concept of throwing sports.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
ATHLETICS (TRACK AND FIELD) – SHOTPUT
What is Shotput?
Shotput is a track and field event where athletes compete to “put” (push) a heavy spherical ball (called a “shot”) as far as possible from a designated circle. The athlete must push the shot from the shoulder using one hand.
Equipment for Shotput
The main equipment used in shotput includes:
- The Shot: A heavy metal ball. The weight varies by age and gender (e.g., 3kg, 4kg, 5kg, 6kg, 7.26kg).
- Shotput Circle: The circular area from which the athlete puts the shot.
- Stopboard: A curved board placed at the front of the circle to prevent the athlete from stepping out.
- Measuring Tape: Used to measure the distance the shot travels.
Basic Rules for Shotput
- The athlete must begin the put from within the circle.
- The shot must be put from the shoulder with one hand.
- The shot must land within the designated landing sector.
- The athlete must not step on or over the stopboard or the circle lines until the shot has landed.
- The athlete must exit the circle from the rear half after the put.
Shotput Field Dimensions and Layout
The shotput field consists of a throwing circle and a landing sector. Understanding its dimensions is important for competitive play.
- Throwing Circle: The circle from which the athlete throws has a diameter of 2.135 meters (m). It is usually made of metal or painted on the ground.
- Stopboard: A white arc-shaped board, 1.22 meters (m) long and 10 centimeters (cm) high, is fixed at the front of the circle.
- Landing Sector: The area where the shot must land. It is defined by two lines that form an angle of 34.92 degrees from the center of the throwing circle.
- Sector Lines: These lines extend outwards from the center of the circle, marking the boundaries of the landing area.
Drawing and Labelling the Shotput Field
To draw a shotput field:
- Draw a circle with a diameter of 2.135 meters.
- At the front of the circle, draw a curved stopboard (1.22m long, 10cm high).
- From the center of the circle, draw two lines extending outwards to form a 34.92-degree angle. These are the sector lines.
- Label the circle, stopboard, and sector lines with their respective dimensions.
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 and asks them if they know any sports where people throw heavy objects. The teacher then introduces the topic: Athletics (Track and Field) – Shotput.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic and relate it to their prior knowledge of sports.
Step 2: Discussion of Shotput
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines shotput, explaining it as a throwing event where a heavy ball is pushed from the shoulder. The teacher also shows pictures or a short video of a shotput event.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, observe the visuals, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic definition and nature of shotput.
Step 3: Equipment and Rules
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the main equipment used in shotput, such as the shot and the circle. The teacher also states some basic rules of the game, like putting from the shoulder and landing within the sector.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note down the equipment and rules discussed.
Learning Point: Pupils identify shotput equipment and learn fundamental rules.
Step 4: Introduction to Field Dimensions
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visualisation/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a diagram of the shotput field and explains that sports like shotput have specific field layouts and dimensions. The teacher points out the throwing circle, stopboard, and landing sector.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the diagram and listen to the explanation of the field’s components.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the layout of the shotput field.
Step 5: Drawing the Shotput Field
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Activity
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates on the board how to draw the shotput circle, the stopboard, and the sector lines. The teacher guides pupils on drawing in their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow the teacher’s demonstration and attempt to draw the shotput field in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils practice drawing the basic layout of the shotput field.
Step 6: Labelling and Dimensions
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Labelling/Measurement Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to label the parts of the drawn field (circle, stopboard, sector lines) and writes down the specific dimensions (e.g., 2.135m diameter for the circle, 1.22m for the stopboard, 34.92-degree sector angle).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils label their drawings and note down the correct dimensions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the correct labels and dimensions for the shotput field.
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 shotput?
- Mention two pieces of equipment used in shotput.
- State two important rules for shotput.
- Draw a simple diagram of a shotput field and label its main parts.
- What is the diameter of the shotput throwing circle?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the definition of shotput, its equipment, rules, and the field’s dimensions and layout. The teacher encourages pupils to practice drawing the field at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any remaining questions.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of shotput.
Home Task: Give three correct examples of ATHLETICS (TRACK AND FIELD) and explain what each example shows.
Lesson Keywords
- Shotput – An athletic event where a heavy ball is pushed from the shoulder.
- Shot – The heavy spherical ball used in shotput.
- Throwing Circle – The area from which the shot is put.
- Stopboard – A curved board at the front of the circle.
- Landing Sector – The designated area where the shot must land.
- Dimensions – The measurements of the shotput field.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be asked to research the different weights of shots for various age groups. For those needing more support, the teacher can provide pre-drawn diagrams of the field for them to label, focusing more on identification than drawing from scratch.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure to have clear diagrams or visual aids ready. If possible, show a short video clip of a professional shotput event to make the lesson more engaging. Emphasize safety if demonstrating any physical aspects. Encourage pupils to be precise with their drawings and dimension labels.

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