Lesson 4 - Discus Throwing Technique
Multi-Event Athletics: Power Development Through Throwing and Jumping
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use our whole body to throw the discus further than ever before?
Learning Objectives
- Develop understanding of throwing for distance using discus technique
- Learn to use body rotation and weight transfer to increase throwing power
- Apply correct grip, stance and release technique for discus throwing
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct discus grip with fingertips spread over the edge
- Students will show coordinated body rotation and weight transfer when throwing
- Students will achieve greater throwing distance through improved technique
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed in equipment area, check for damage before use
Alternative: Foam frisbees, paper plates, lightweight quoits
Placed at 2m intervals from 4m to 20m throwing line
Alternative: Bean bags, chalk markers, rope markers
1.5m diameter circles spaced 5m apart along throwing line
Alternative: Rope circles, tape marks on ground
For accurate distance measurement during competitions
Alternative: Trundle wheels, metre sticks
Pre-prepared with names and distance recording boxes
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, whiteboard markers
Mark safe throwing zones and spectator areas
Alternative: Traffic cones, safety tape
Key Vocabulary
A heavy disc thrown in athletics, requiring a slinging action for distance
A throwing technique where the arm moves in a wide arc from low to high
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw
Turning the hips before throwing to generate more power
Reaching up and away from the body when releasing the discus
The discus rotating in the air like a frisbee for better flight
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Understanding of shot put pushing technique
- Basic throwing for distance concepts
- Knowledge of three phases of throwing
Current Skills
- Discus grip and stance technique
- Body rotation for power generation
- Weight transfer and extension in throwing
Next Steps
- Advanced discus competition techniques
- Combining throwing events in athletics
- Understanding aerodynamics in throwing sports
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Discus grip requires fingertips spread over the edge, not gripping like a ball
- The throwing action is a smooth sling from low to high, not a push or fling
- Hip rotation generates power and must come before the throwing action
- Weight transfer from back to front foot creates momentum for distance
- The discus should spin like a frisbee for proper flight and distance
- Safety zones and organised retrieval are essential for injury prevention
- Technique development comes before distance achievement
Common Misconceptions
- Students think gripping tighter will help - actually reduces control and spin
- Belief that throwing harder automatically means throwing further - technique is key
- Confusion between shot put pushing and discus slinging actions
- Assumption that the discus should tumble through the air rather than spin flat
- Misunderstanding that rotation can happen during the throw rather than before
- Thinking that distance is more important than safe technique execution
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter practice periods, clear visual boundaries, immediate feedback on technique
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement sequence, extra grip practice, peer buddy support for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear visual sequence cards, consistent routine structure, quiet practice area available
visual impairment
- Tactile guidance for grip, verbal description of technique, bright coloured discuses for visibility
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, clear hand signals for instructions, written technique cards
physical disability
- Seated throwing variation, lightweight foam discuses, modified grip for limited hand function
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, comparing personal bests, calculating improvement percentages
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, air resistance and aerodynamics affecting discus flight
Geography
Origins of discus in ancient Greece, Olympic Games locations and athletics stadiums
History
Ancient Olympic Games and athletics traditions, development of modern throwing events
PSHE
Personal goal setting, resilience when learning difficult skills, supporting others' achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear sightlines to all throwing areas, move to support individual technique
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, coordinated throwing sequence, and safe equipment handling
Intervention Points
Step in if grip is incorrect, throwing sequence breaks down, or safety protocols ignored
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, demonstrate both correctly and incorrectly for contrast
Verbal Cues
- •'Fingertips over the edge!'
- •'Smooth sling action!'
- •'Rotate then throw!'
- •'Follow through up and away!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 30m clear area with 10m safety zones on all sides
Surface Check
Level grass or marked athletics area, free from holes or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check discuses for cracks or damage before use
- •Ensure appropriate weight discuses for Year 3 (300-500g maximum)
- •Soft-edge discuses or foam alternatives for safety
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Discus strikes to students or teacher
- •Slips during rotation and weight transfer
- •Collisions during equipment retrieval
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing and no-go zones established with cones
- •Organised retrieval system - all students collect together
- •Adequate spacing between throwing positions (5m minimum)
- •Clear sightlines for teacher supervision
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all throwing areas simultaneously
- •Monitor retrieval areas particularly carefully
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if anyone enters throwing zone, first aid available for any strikes or falls