Shot Put Peer Coaching with Checklists

In pairs, one student puts a 4–6 lb medicine ball and the other acts as coach, using a four-point checklist on every attempt. Students work on shot put technique and on observing a skill and giving useful feedback.

How to play

1. Draw chalk circles about 7 ft across in a row, 12 ft apart, all facing an open landing area; one pair per circle with a medicine ball and a checklist.
2. Explain the four checkpoints (3 min): ball tucked against the neck under the chin, elbow high, drive from the legs and hips, and an arm that pushes instead of throwing like a baseball.
3. Round 1 (6 min): the thrower takes 5 standing puts facing forward; the coach watches one checkpoint at a time and marks yes or no.
4. After each put, the coach gives one short cue that starts with something done well; then switch roles.
5. Round 2 (8 min): sideways puts with the back leg bent; the coach checks all four points and marks the best put with a cone.
6. Round 3 (5 min): each thrower picks their weakest checkpoint and takes 4 puts focusing only on it; finish with both partners signing the checklist (2 min).

Rules

• Throw only on the teacher's signal and when the landing area is clear.
• Never throw the ball to anyone: roll it back along the ground or carry it.
• Feedback is always positive and specific, with no teasing or comparisons.
• Warm up wrists, shoulders, and trunk before the first put.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student puts seated with the trunk turned sideways, and the checklist swaps leg drive for trunk rotation.
• Visual impairment: the coach gives touch cues for the starting position and a verbal cue at release.
• Lower strength: use a 2 lb ball and put from inside the circle without moving the feet.

Learning goals

• Put the shot by pushing from the neck with a high elbow.
• Observe a skill and record it using clear criteria.
• Give constructive feedback and accept a partner's feedback.

Equipment for a class of 25

• medicine balls: 13
• observation checklists: 25
• cones: 13
• chalk: 6

Teacher tip

The usual mistake is throwing the ball like a baseball with the elbow low, so keep repeating that you push, not throw. Laminate the checklists so they can be reused with dry-erase markers.

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