SHOT PUT
OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVE
The objective of shot put is to push the shot as far as possible from it’s starting position near the neck or jaw, using one hand to achieve the greatest distance.
SHOT PUT
Shot put is thrown from a circle just over 2 meters wide, and the throw must land within the marked sector.
EQUIPMENT
OFFICIAL
Equipment
7 foot circle throwing area
Shot put
Measuring tape
ALTERNATIVE
Equipment
Seated throwing frame
Straps/belts (for seated athletes)
Alternative throwing implements
SPACE Adaptations
Flags or markers placed to assist with navigation.
Use clear markings, cones, ropes, and symbols, to support orientation and focus.
Keep groups small to increase engagement.
TASK Adaptations
Use seated options or alternative throwing implements and allow mobility and strength differences.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © Patrick Beauchemin
EQUIPMENT Adaptations
Offer seated throws and tie downs.
Contrasting colors for equipment and providing clear areas for field of play and access.
Use lighter or softer throwing objects (eg. bean bags or soft discs).
Use a bell or beeping target for visual impairment.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © François Mellet
PEOPLE Adaptations
Use peer helpers to model movements and provide support.
Create smaller groups or one to one instruction.
Adapt officials approaches to support participant success.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © Patrick Beauchemin
TEACHING CUES FOR MOVEMENT SKILLS
READY (Grip & Position)
SIDE TO TARGET (Power Position)
PUSH (Delivery)
FINISH TALL (Follow Through)
READY (GRIP & POSITION)
Ball in your neck: place the shot or ball against your neck or under your chin.
Elbow up: keep your elbow high and pointing sideways or slightly up.
Strong base: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © François Mellet
SIDE TO TARGET (POWER POSITION)
Show your back: turn your side to where you want to push.
Twist your hips: get ready to rotate your hips for power.
PUSH (DELIVERY)
Push, don’t throw: push the ball straight out, don’t swing or toss.
Extend your arm: straighten arm all the way forward and up.
Snap your wrist: flick at the end for extra distance.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © Patrick Beauchemin
FINISH TALL (FOLLOW THROUGH)
Reach to the sky: finish with hand and arm high.
Chest up: stand tall and hold shoulders back at the end to stay balanced.
ACTIVITIES & SKILL DEVELOPMENT
CASTLE KNOCKDOWN
BEAN BAG BLAST OFF
SHOT PUT RELAY
RAINBOW DISTANCE CHALLENGE
CASTLE KNOCKDOWN
Build towers from foam blocks or cones.
Students push the bean bag to knock down the “castle walls”.
Focus on aiming with the correct shot put push.
BEAN BAG BLAST OFF
Students “load” their rocket (bean bag) by holding it against their neck.
On “Blast Off!”, they step and push it high and forward.
Targets (hoops or cones) are “planets” to land on.
Teaching cues: “Neck, elbow up, step, push to the stars!”.
SHOT PUT RELAY
Teams line up and take turns pushing the bean bag to a target zone.
When a player’s bean bag lands, the next player starts from that spot.
Continue until your team reaches the target zone and comes back to the start.
RAINBOW DISTANCE CHALLENGE
Use different colored cones or markers at increasing distances.
Students aim for different colors, choosing their challenge level.
Celebrate every push, regardless of distance.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING
REFERENCES
Run, Jump, Throw, Wheel Teachers Resource. Athletics Canada. 2006
Para Throws Coaching Manual. BC Wheelchair Sports Association. 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
Teachers Guide. BC Wheelchair Basketball & Let’s Play
Fundamental Movement Skills Cue Cards. School Physical Activity and Physical Literacy Project. 2025
Inclusion of Students of All Abilities in School-Based Physical Activity Experiences. PHE Canada. 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2025. School-Based Physical Activity Experiences for Students of All Abilities | PHE Canada.
