Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Athletics (Field Events)
Previous Lesson: Javelin Throw: Meaning, Equipment, Skills and Rules.
Topic: Shot Put
Subject Matter: Meaning of shot put, nature of the event, equipment and facilities, basic skills, rules and regulations

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define shot put.
Explain the nature and objectives of the shot put event.
Identify the equipment and facilities used in shot put.
State the basic rules and regulations of shot put.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of safety in field events.
Develop an interest in participating in shot put.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the basic skills involved in shot put (stance, grip, glide, release).
Practice legal shot put techniques.

Observe the rules and regulations during practice.
Cooperate with peers during practical sessions.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Adedoja, S. & Adeogun, O. (2018). Physical and Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools 2. Macmillan Publishers.
https://www.worldathletics.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example_shotput_tutorial

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A shot put
A diagram or drawing of a shot put throwing sector
Measuring tape
Red and white flags
Whistle

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding shot put helps pupils to learn a fundamental field event in athletics. It enables them to develop physical coordination and strength while also appreciating the rules and techniques involved in competitive throwing sports.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of athletics and other throwing events like javelin or discus from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Shot Put

Meaning of Shot Put

Shot put is a track and field throwing event where athletes attempt to “put” (push rather than throw) a heavy spherical object—the shot—as far as possible from a designated throwing circle. The shot is put from the shoulder using one hand.

Nature of the Event

The objective of shot put is to achieve the greatest distance possible for a legal put. It requires a combination of strength, technique, balance, and speed. Safety is important; athletes must ensure the throwing area is clear and the shot is put in a controlled manner.

Equipment and Facilities

The following are essential for shot put:

The Shot: A heavy metal ball. For senior secondary boys, it typically weighs 5 kg; for girls, it weighs 3 kg.
Throwing Circle: A circle with a diameter of 2.135 meters (7 feet) from which the put is made. It is usually made of metal or painted on the ground.
Toe Board (Stop Board): A curved wooden or metal board, 1.22 meters long and 10 cm high, placed at the front of the throwing circle to prevent the thrower from stepping out during the put.
Sector Lines: Lines extending from the center of the circle at a 34.92-degree angle, marking the landing area for a legal put.
Measuring Tape: Used to measure the distance of the put from the inside edge of the toe board to the nearest mark made by the shot.
Flags: Red and white flags are used by officials to indicate a foul or a legal put, respectively.

Basic Skills in Shot Put

The main skills involved in shot put are:

Grip/Hold: The shot is held at the base of the fingers, not in the palm, with the thumb providing support. It rests against the neck, just below the ear.
Stance: The athlete stands at the back of the circle, facing away from the throwing direction (for glide technique) or towards the side (for rotational technique).
Glide (O’Brien Glide): A linear movement across the circle, pushing off with one leg while the other sweeps forward to build momentum.
Release: A powerful extension of the arm, wrist, and fingers, pushing the shot upwards and outwards at an optimal angle (typically between 35-42 degrees).
Follow-Through: After the release, the athlete quickly reverses their feet to maintain balance and prevent stepping out of the circle.

Rules and Regulations

The following are key rules in shot put:

The shot must be put from the shoulder with one hand only.
The shot must not be brought behind the line of the shoulder during the put.
The athlete must start the put from a stationary position inside the circle.
The athlete must not touch the top of the toe board or the ground outside the circle during the put.
The shot must land within the designated sector lines.
After the put, the athlete must exit the circle from the rear half.
A foul occurs if the athlete steps out of the circle before the shot lands, drops the shot behind the shoulder, or if the shot lands outside the sector.

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 to recall other throwing events in athletics they have learned.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning events like javelin and discus.
Learning Point: Pupils connect new learning with previous knowledge.

Step 2: Meaning of Shot Put

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines shot put as a field event where a heavy shot is pushed from the shoulder for distance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and take notes on the definition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic concept of shot put.

Step 3: Nature of the Event

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Exposition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the objective of shot put and emphasizes the importance of safety during practice and competition.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions regarding the nature and safety aspects of the event.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the purpose and safety considerations of shot put.

Step 4: Equipment and Facilities

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays the actual shot put or a diagram of the throwing sector, pointing out the shot, circle, toe board, and sector lines.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the equipment and facilities and identify their names and uses.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and name the equipment and facilities for shot put.

Step 5: Basic Skills

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the basic skills of shot put, including grip, stance, the glide, and the release, explaining each step.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and attempt to practice the skills individually or in pairs.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and practice the fundamental techniques of shot put.

Step 6: Rules and Regulations

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the essential rules and regulations of shot put, such as legal puts, fouls, and exiting the circle.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask for clarification on the rules.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the rules governing shot put competition.

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 shot put?
Mention three pieces of equipment used in shot put.
List two basic skills involved in putting the shot.
State two rules that must be observed during a shot put event.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and assigns homework, which may include researching famous shot put athletes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Shot Put – A field event where a heavy ball is pushed from the shoulder for distance.
Glide – A linear movement technique used by shot putters to generate momentum.
Toe Board – A curved board at the front of the throwing circle to prevent stepping out.
Sector – The designated landing area for a legal throw in shot put.
Foul – An infringement of the rules that invalidates a put.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research different shot put techniques (e.g., rotational technique). For those who need more support, the teacher will provide additional demonstrations and one-on-one guidance during practical sessions, focusing on mastering the basic grip and release.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure a safe environment for practical demonstrations and activities. Emphasize proper technique to prevent injuries. Encourage active participation and provide constructive feedback to help pupils improve their skills. Adapt the weight of the shot put used for practicals based on the pupils’ strength and safety.