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Lesson 4 - Discus Throwing Technique

Multi-Event Athletics: Power Development Through Throwing and Jumping

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Year 3

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

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

Light Shot Put

1 per student (30)

Distributed in equipment area, check for damage before use

Alternative: Foam frisbees, paper plates, lightweight quoits

Sun Markers

30-40 cones

Placed at 2m intervals from 4m to 20m throwing line

Alternative: Bean bags, chalk markers, rope markers

Markers

6-8 hoops or chalk circles

1.5m diameter circles spaced 5m apart along throwing line

Alternative: Rope circles, tape marks on ground

Measuring Tapes

3-4 tapes

For accurate distance measurement during competitions

Alternative: Trundle wheels, metre sticks

Score Sheets

15 sheets (1 per pair)

Pre-prepared with names and distance recording boxes

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, whiteboard markers

Dish Cones

4-6 cones with rope

Mark safe throwing zones and spectator areas

Alternative: Traffic cones, safety tape

Key Vocabulary

Discus

A heavy disc thrown in athletics, requiring a slinging action for distance

Slinging action

A throwing technique where the arm moves in a wide arc from low to high

Weight transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw

Hip rotation

Turning the hips before throwing to generate more power

Extension

Reaching up and away from the body when releasing the discus

Spin

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

Discus spins consistently when thrown

Clear weight transfer visible in throwing action

Increased throwing distance with improved technique

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