Track & Field: Modified Shot Put
An intro to the shot put using a medicine ball instead of a metal shot, learning the starting position, the standing put and the hip turn. Students build explosive strength, throwing technique and skills for measuring results.
How to play
- Mark a throwing line with cones and, in front of it, a clear landing area with a cone every 3 ft; form groups of 4 with one medicine ball per group (3 min).
- Explain the position: ball resting on the base of the fingers, tucked against the neck under the jaw, elbow high and away from the body. The ball is pushed, never thrown like a baseball (3 min).
- Standing front put: feet apart, bend the knees and push up and out at 45°, 4 puts per student (5 min).
- Side put with hip turn: stand sideways to the landing area, weight on the back leg, turn the hip and push, 4 puts (6 min).
- Measuring: each student makes 2 legal puts and a partner marks the distance using the floor cones; record the best (4 min).
- Collect equipment and stretch the shoulders and wrists (1 min).
Rules
- Keep the landing area clear; nobody stands in front of the throwing line.
- Throw only on the signal from the teacher or the student in charge.
- Retrieve balls only after the whole group has thrown, and carry them back, never throw them back.
- Push the ball from the neck; never sling it with a straight arm from behind.
Variations
Easier
A 2 lb ball and front standing puts only.
Standard
A 4 lb ball with the side put and hip turn.
Harder
A put with a backward glide step first and a 6 lb ball.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: put from a chair or bench, focusing on arm and torso drive.
- Visual impairment: a partner guides the position and the throw signal is a nearby clap.
- Low strength: a light ball and results compared only with the student's own previous marks.
Learning goals
- Perform the shot put with correct ball and elbow position.
- Transfer force from the legs and hips into the arm push.
- Measure and record results while following throwing safety rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- medicine balls: 7
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is throwing with the arm like a baseball, so keep cueing 'push, don't throw.' Have all groups throw in the same direction.
PatioLab has "Track & Field: Modified Shot Put" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More main activities for Middle School
Accuracy Circuit with Cloth Targets
Accuracy stations with cloth targets on the floor and on the wall, where students toss bean bags and score points by ring. They work on throwing accuracy and matching force to distance.
Acrosport in Groups of 4
Partner and group stunts (acrosport) in groups of 4: building simple human pyramids and balances with bases, flyers and spotters while following safety rules. Students develop strength, balance, cooperation and creativity by linking poses together.
Adapted 6v6 Volleyball
6v6 volleyball with adapted rules so the ball stays in play longer and the whole team takes part: catching is allowed on the first contact and serves come from closer in. Students practice the set, the forearm pass (bump), the serve and rotation.
Adapted Beach Handball
An adapted beach handball game with a soft ball: no dribbling, three steps with the ball, and double points for spectacular goals such as jump or spin shots. It develops throwing, passing and team play in a fun, safe way.
Adapted Beach Volleyball 2v2
Modified 2v2 beach volleyball with a foam ball and portable net on small courts. Students work on the set and forearm pass, communication with a partner and cooperation to build a rally.
Adapted School Triathlon
An adapted school triathlon that links a run, jump rope and a skills circuit, with transitions in a marked zone. Students build endurance, manage their pace and practice switching quickly between tasks.