Shot from the Neck: Push, Don't Throw

Students learn the basic shot put action with a light medicine ball: ball tucked at the neck and a full-body push from the power position. It fixes the mistake of throwing it with the arm like a baseball.

How to play

1. Demo: ball against the neck under the ear, elbow high and away from the body, other hand in front (3 min).
2. Pairs facing each other 4 m apart, two-hand chest push to feel the legs extending (4 min).
3. Power position: sideways, feet apart, weight on the back leg; one-hand push from the neck to a partner who fields it rolling (8 min).
4. Hoop target challenge: push the ball to bounce inside a hoop placed at a distance you choose (6 min).
5. Each pair shows their best push to the teacher and explains the three keys (4 min).

Rules

• The ball never goes behind the shoulder: push it, don't throw it.
• Push only when your partner is watching and ready.
• Field the ball rolling or after the bounce, never in the air.
• Use 1–3 kg balls depending on age and strength.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: partner claps for direction and rolls the ball back.
• Wheelchair user: seated push with a trunk turn and a light ball.
• Injured wrist: push with the other hand or two-hand chest push only.

Learning goals

• Tell the difference between pushing and throwing.
• Use legs and trunk in the push.
• Choose a challenge that fits your level.

Equipment for a class of 25

• medicine balls: 15
• cones: 10
• hula hoops: 15

Teacher tip

Have balls of several weights and let each student choose without comments from others. Common mistake: elbow drops against the body; cue 'elbow like a wing'. No medicine balls? Old basketballs filled with sand and sealed well do the job.

More main activities for Middle School