Shot Put Glide: Back to the Sector

A technical progression for the glide shot put, the style that starts with the back to the landing area, using a medicine ball in a chalk circle. Students work on a low, fast glide, hip rotation, and a connected final push.

How to play

1. Chalk circles 7 ft across with a toe board line in front; groups of 3 with a 4–6 lb medicine ball: thrower, observer, and retriever (2 min).
2. Step 1 (4 min): no ball; with the back to the sector and standing on the right leg (right-handers), make a short backward glide, dragging the heel; 6 reps.
3. Step 2 (4 min): glide and land in the power position, left foot near the toe board and torso still facing back; the observer checks the position.
4. Step 3 (5 min): from the power position with the ball, rotate the hips and push; 4 puts each.
5. Step 4 (6 min): link the glide and the full put; the observer marks the best landing with a cone.
6. Step 5 (3 min): each group compares the best standing put with the best glide put and discusses whether the glide helped.

Rules

• Throw only toward the open area and on the teacher's signal; groups stay 15 ft apart.
• The retriever waits off to the side outside the sector, never straight ahead.
• If the thrower steps out of the circle while gliding, repeat the attempt without throwing.
• Keep the ball tucked against the neck throughout the glide.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student does the rotation and push seated, without the glide.
• Hearing impairment: demonstrate each step and show the step number with your fingers.
• Lower fitness: use a 2 lb ball and rest one turn between puts.

Learning goals

• Perform the glide while keeping the center of gravity low.
• Link the glide, hip rotation, and arm push into one motion.
• Compare how effective two putting techniques are.

Equipment for a class of 25

• medicine balls: 9
• chalk: 5
• cones: 9

Teacher tip

The most common error is standing up during the glide and arriving square to the front: cue the chest to face backward until the last moment. Repeat the no-ball drill until the support foot drags smoothly.

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