Lesson 4 - Discus Throwing Skills
Throwing & Jumping Skills
•Year 4
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check for damage before use, ensure appropriate weight for Year 4
Alternative: Frisbees, foam discs, or weighted bean bags
Place at 2-metre intervals from 6m to 20m throwing line
Alternative: Spots, markers, or chalk lines
For measuring competition distances and records
Alternative: Trundle wheel or marked rope
Simple checklist format for technique points
Alternative: Observation cards or verbal assessment prompts
Key Vocabulary
A heavy disc thrown as far as possible in athletic competition
A throwing movement where the object travels from low to high in an arc
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw
Stretching the throwing arm up and away from the body at release
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
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