Basic Skills and Techniques in Shot Put and Discus Events II – JSS1 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Shot put and discus are throwing events in athletics. In shot put, the athlete holds the shot at the neck, takes a stance, glides across the circle, releases the shot at about 45 degrees and recovers inside the circle. In discus, the athlete grips the discus, takes a stance, swings, turns, delivers, releases and recovers.

Behavioural objectives

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

• describe the hand hold used in shot put;
• list the phases of the shot put;
• explain the release and recovery in shot put;
• describe the grip and stance in discus;
• list the phases of the discus throw.

How are the basic skills and techniques of shot put executed?

1. The hand hold: The shot is picked up with spread fingers so that the thumb and the small finger lie to the side and the other fingers lie at the back. It is then placed in the hollow of the collarbone and against the neck.
2. The stance: The shot-putter stands comfortably erect at the front half of the circle with the left foot placed near the throwing arc. The left shoulder points in the direction of the put, and the right foot is placed behind, near the centre. The putter bends to the right with the weight of the body over the right leg. The left leg is raised slightly in the direction of the throw.
3. The turning put or the glide put: The hand hold above is for the standing put. For the glide put:
   • The shot-putter stands on the right leg near the rear of the circle and faces the rear.
   • He/She bends the right knee so much that the chest touches the knee.
   • The left leg is raised and points in the direction of the put.
4. The release, delivery or throw: The putting elbow is gradually brought sideways. The shot is released at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees (45°).
5. The recovery: This is getting out of the putting circle. The putter should see the missile land before he/she comes out of the circle through the rear half.

How are the basic skills and techniques of discus executed?

1. The hand hold or grip: This depends on the size of the hand and the length of the fingers. The discus is placed on the palm and the right hand is placed on it with the fingers evenly spread on the missile or implement. The hold must be relaxed before practising rolling.
2. The stance: The athlete stands in an astride position in the front half of the circle with the left side to the line of throw.
3. The swing: This is swinging to the right or left of the body. The weight of the body is transferred to the right or to the left leg as the swing is made to the right or left.
4. The stand throw: Good throws are initiated by the legs. Drive your right leg hard and upward so that your right hip is forced to the front, and let the arm swing through easily.
5. The turn and throw: The athlete should position himself in the back half of the circle with his back turned in the direction of the throw.
6. The delivery: The athlete should have both feet firm on the ground and should try to regain his balance when attempting to deliver the missile.
7. The release: The flight of the missile must be smooth. The flight depends on the speed and the direction of the wind.
8. The recovery: This is when the athlete regains body balance without stepping on or outside the circle.

Evaluation

1. Describe how the shot is held before a put.
2. At what angle is the shot released?
3. What is the recovery in shot put?
4. List the phases of the discus throw.

Assignment

List five techniques/phases of the shot put.