Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 4
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson: Athletics (track and Field), Discuss Shotput.
Topic: BASIC SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN ATHLETICS (SHOTPUT AND DISCUS)
Subject Matter: Shotput, Discus, Safety measures in shotput and discus: Benefits of taking part in athletics

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define shotput and discus.
Identify the equipment used in shotput and discus.
State the basic techniques for shotput and discus.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of safety measures in athletics.
Value the benefits of participating in athletic activities.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the correct grip for shotput and discus.
Show basic stances for shotput and discus.

Participate respectfully in group discussions about athletics.
Cooperate in demonstrating basic athletic techniques.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Macmillan Basic Science and Technology for JSS 1

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures or charts showing shotput and discus equipment.
Diagrams illustrating basic techniques for shotput and discus.
A real or improvised shotput and discus (e.g., a heavy ball for shotput, a frisbee or plastic plate for discus).

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand fundamental athletic events like shotput and discus. It enables them to learn about the equipment, basic skills, and necessary safety precautions, promoting physical well-being and responsible participation in sports.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of different sports and the importance of physical exercise.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Basic Skills and Techniques in Athletics (Shotput and Discus)

1. Shotput

Shotput is an athletic throwing event where competitors push a heavy spherical object (the shot) as far as possible from a marked circle.

Equipment:

The Shot (a heavy metal ball)
Throwing circle
Measuring tape

Basic Techniques in Shotput:

Grip: Hold the shot at the base of the fingers, not in the palm. The thumb provides support.
Stance: Stand at the back of the throwing circle, facing away from the throwing direction, with the shot placed against the neck/jaw.
Glide/Throw: Move across the circle with a glide or rotational motion, extending the arm fully to push the shot forward and upward.

2. Discus

Discus throw is an athletic event in which an athlete throws a heavy disc (the discus) as far as possible from a marked circle.

Equipment:

The Discus (a heavy disc-shaped object)
Throwing circle
Measuring tape

Basic Techniques in Discus:

Grip: Hold the discus with the fingers spread over the edge, balancing it on the palm.
Stance: Stand at the back of the throwing circle, facing away from the throwing direction, holding the discus with the non-throwing hand for support.
Throw: Rotate the body within the circle, swinging the discus around the body before releasing it with a strong arm and wrist flick.

3. Safety Measures in Shotput and Discus

These measures are important to prevent injuries during practice and competition:

Always warm up properly before starting.
Ensure the throwing area is clear of people and obstacles.
Never throw until given permission by the coach or teacher.
Always retrieve the shot/discus only after it has landed and the area is clear.
Wear appropriate athletic attire and footwear.
Follow all instructions from the coach or teacher.

4. Benefits of Taking Part in Athletics

Participating in athletic events like shotput and discus has several advantages:

Physical Health: Improves strength, stamina, flexibility, and overall fitness.
Mental Well-being: Reduces stress, builds confidence, and enhances concentration.
Social Skills: Encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, and interaction with peers.
Discipline: Teaches dedication, perseverance, and goal setting.
Skill Development: Develops coordination, balance, and motor skills.

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 about different sports they know and enjoy, particularly those involving throwing.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning various sports like football, basketball, and some throwing activities.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and their prior knowledge is activated, linking to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Introduction to Shotput

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines shotput, explains the equipment, and demonstrates the correct grip using a real or improvised shot.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the demonstration, and practice the grip with their hands.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what shotput is, its equipment, and how to hold the shot correctly.

Step 3: Shotput Techniques

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the basic stance and throwing motion (without actually throwing the shot for safety) for shotput, emphasizing the push rather than a throw.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and practice the stance and motion in a safe, controlled manner.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the fundamental body movements for shotput.

Step 4: Introduction to Discus and Techniques

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines discus, explains its equipment, and demonstrates the grip and basic throwing motion (without releasing the discus) for discus.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the demonstrations, and practice the grip and motion.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what discus is, its equipment, and basic techniques.

Step 5: Safety Measures in Athletics

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses and lists important safety measures to observe during shotput and discus practice and competition, emphasizing injury prevention.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion and note down the safety measures.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of safety and how to prevent accidents in athletic events.

Step 6: Benefits of Athletics

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the various benefits of participating in athletics, covering physical, mental, and social aspects.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and contribute their own ideas on the benefits of sports.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the positive impacts of athletic participation on their overall development.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Define shotput and discus.
Mention two equipment used in shotput.
State two basic techniques for shotput.
List three safety measures to observe in shotput and discus.
State two benefits of taking part in athletics.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definitions, basic skills, safety, and benefits of shotput and discus.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask any final questions.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced, and pupils’ understanding is consolidated.

Home Task: Give three correct examples of BASIC SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES IN ATHLETICS (SHOTPUT AND DISCUS) and explain what each example shows.

Lesson Keywords

Shotput – An athletic event where a heavy ball is pushed for distance.
Discus – An athletic event where a heavy disc is thrown for distance.
Athletics – A collection of sporting events involving competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking.
Grip – The way an athlete holds an implement like a shot or discus.
Stance – The position of an athlete’s body before performing an action.
Safety Measures – Rules and precautions taken to prevent injury or harm.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to research famous athletes in shotput or discus. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will focus on identifying the equipment and understanding the most critical safety rules, providing more individualized demonstrations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should prioritize safety during all demonstrations and practice sessions, especially when using improvised equipment. Emphasize that actual throwing of heavy objects should only be done under strict supervision and in appropriate environments. Focus on the ‘push’ for shotput and ‘swing and release’ for discus without actual heavy object throwing in class if facilities are not available.