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Lesson 4 - Discus Throwing Skills

Throwing & Jumping Skills

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Year 4

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we use our whole body to throw a discus further than ever before?

Learning Objectives

To develop correct discus throwing technique using stance, grip, and extension
To understand how body rotation and weight transfer increase throwing distance
To evaluate and improve throwing performance through peer assessment

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proper discus grip and throwing stance
Students will apply rotation and weight transfer to achieve greater distance
Students will assess peer performance and suggest improvements

Equipment & Resources Required

Discus

1 per student (30)

Check for damage before use, ensure appropriate weight for Year 4

Alternative: Frisbees, foam discs, or weighted bean bags

Cones

20-30

Place at 2-metre intervals from 6m to 20m throwing line

Alternative: Spots, markers, or chalk lines

Measuring Tapes

For measuring competition distances and records

Alternative: Trundle wheel or marked rope

Score Sheets

15 (1 per pair)

Simple checklist format for technique points

Alternative: Observation cards or verbal assessment prompts

Key Vocabulary

Discus

A heavy disc thrown as far as possible in athletic competition

Sling action

A throwing movement where the object travels from low to high in an arc

Weight transfer

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

Extension

Stretching the throwing arm up and away from the body at release

Rotation

Turning the hips and body to generate more power in the throw

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Shot put technique from previous lessons
Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of push vs pull movements

Current Skills

Discus grip and stance technique
Sling action throwing movement
Body rotation and weight transfer coordination

Next Steps

Advanced discus technique with multiple rotations
Other throwing events (javelin, shot put refinement)
Competitive throwing strategies

Milestone Indicators

Discus travels in correct spinning motion

Visible weight transfer during throw

Consistent technique improvement over attempts

Key Teaching Points

Discus grip requires fingertips spread over edge, not gripped tightly
Sling action is fundamentally different from shot put pushing technique
Hip rotation generates power - demonstrate clearly and practice separately
Weight transfer from back to front foot crucial for maximum distance
Discus should spin horizontally like frisbee, not tumble end over end
Safety is paramount - clear throwing areas and controlled equipment retrieval
Peer assessment develops coaching skills and technical understanding

Common Misconceptions

Thinking discus throwing is same as shot put - emphasise sling vs push action
Believing strength alone determines distance - demonstrate technique importance
Expecting immediate success with complex coordination - break into phases
Focusing only on distance rather than technique development
Assuming harder/faster throw always goes further - show control importance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter practice segments, movement between stations, clear focus points, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Extra time for grip practice, simplified technique progression, visual movement cues, celebrate small improvements

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual technique cards, quiet practice area if needed, predictable peer pairing

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured or larger foam discus, provide verbal descriptions of technique, use tactile guidance for grip and stance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key technique points

physical disability

Seated throwing option, lighter equipment, modified throwing distance, partner support for technique

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion, understanding of rotation and momentum, body mechanics and leverage, air resistance and spin

Geography

Understanding of distance, direction and measurement, spatial awareness in field events

PSHE

Setting personal goals, perseverance through challenge, giving and receiving constructive feedback, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see all students, particularly during throwing phases. Move around during peer assessment to support pairs.

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, balanced stance, smooth sling action, and safe throwing practices. Monitor peer interactions for positive communication.

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with grip or coordination, if safety procedures not followed, or if peer feedback becomes negative.

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with foam equipment. Show technique slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students who master technique quickly to help demonstrate.

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips spread, palm underneath!'
•'Sling from low to high!'
•'Rotate and transfer!'
•'Like a frisbee spinning!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m open area, clear of obstacles and other activities

Surface Check

Level grass or appropriate outdoor surface, free from holes or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Inspect all discus for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure appropriate weight discus for Year 4 students
•Check throwing area clear of spectators

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Impact from discus - head/body strikes
•Students in throwing area during practice
•Slips from poor footwork or wet surfaces
•Overexertion from repeated throwing

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing zones with no students in landing area
•Controlled release of throwers - one at a time
•Safe equipment retrieval procedures
•Regular rest breaks between throwing attempts

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all throwing activity
•Monitor throwing area for unauthorized entry
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, move other students to safe area