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Lesson 4 - Discus Throwing Technique

Athletic Throwing and Jumping: Whole-Body Power and Control

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Year 5

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we use our whole body to throw the discus as far as possible whilst maintaining control and accuracy?

Learning Objectives

Develop understanding of throwing for distance using correct discus technique
Learn how to use body rotation and weight transfer to generate power
Apply progressive throwing phases to increase distance and accuracy

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct discus grip and stance
Students will use body rotation and weight transfer to throw further
Students will evaluate and improve their throwing technique

Equipment & Resources Required

Light Shot Put

1 per student (30)

Check for damage before lesson, ensure adequate weight for throwing practice

Alternative: Foam frisbees, rubber quoits, paper plates with bean bags taped on

Sun Markers

20-30

Place at regular intervals to mark throwing distances, bright colours preferred

Alternative: Spots, chalk marks on playground

Measuring Tapes

2-3 long tapes

For measuring throwing distances accurately in competition phase

Alternative: Trundle wheel, marked rope

Markers

4 sets

Mark clear throwing zones to maintain safety and organisation

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries

Clipboards

6-8

For peer assessment and teacher observation notes

Alternative: Mini whiteboards with pens

Key Vocabulary

Discus

A heavy disc thrown in athletic competitions, spun horizontally through the air

Slinging action

A throwing technique that moves from low to high position with extended arm

Rotation

Turning the body, especially the hips, to generate power for throwing

Weight transfer

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

Release point

The exact moment when the discus leaves the thrower's hand

Extension

Straightening and reaching out with the throwing arm at release

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing action with various objects
Shot put technique from previous lessons
Understanding of weight transfer in throwing

Current Skills

Discus grip and stance technique
Slinging action for discus throwing
Body rotation for power generation
Progressive phase development

Next Steps

Advanced discus technique with full rotation
Competition throwing with measurement
Analysis of Olympic discus throwing techniques

Milestone Indicators

Correct grip maintained throughout throw

Discus spins in flight like a frisbee

Visible use of body rotation and weight transfer

Consistent increase in throwing distance

Key Teaching Points

Discus grip uses fingertips spread over edge, not palm grip
Side-on stance with feet shoulder-width apart provides stable throwing base
Slinging action moves from low to high with arm extension away from body
Hip rotation before arm action generates maximum power through kinetic chain
Weight transfer from back foot to front foot drives whole throwing movement
Release timing determines flight path - too early goes high, too late goes low
Discus should spin flat like frisbee, not tumble end over end

Common Misconceptions

Thinking discus is thrown like shot put with push action - correct with slinging demonstration
Believing more strength equals further distance - emphasise technique over power
Assuming all throwing phases happen simultaneously - break down sequence clearly
Thinking grip should be tight for control - demonstrate relaxed fingertip grip
Believing facing forward gives better aim - show power advantages of side-on stance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent active breaks, clear boundaries for throwing areas, immediate feedback on technique, physical activity maintained throughout

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment, simplified two-phase technique initially, extra practice time, visual and verbal cueing combined

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual sequence cards for four phases, quiet practice area available, predictable lesson format

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured discus, verbal descriptions of technique, tactile guidance for grip, buddy system for safety

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written technique cards, hand signals for start/stop, visual distance markers

physical disability

Seated throwing version, lighter equipment, modified grip for limited hand function, shorter throwing distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring throwing distances, calculating improvements, angles of release and flight paths

Science

Forces and motion, rotational energy, biomechanics of power generation, physics of spinning objects

Geography

Olympic Games locations, athletics around the world, mapping discus throwing origins in ancient Greece

History

Ancient Olympic Games, development of athletics, famous discus throwers through history

PSHE

Goal setting and achievement, supporting others, dealing with competition pressure, celebrating improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at angle to see multiple throwing lanes, move between students during practice for individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for smooth technique progression, safety awareness, peer cooperation and individual improvement

Intervention Points

Step in if safety protocols not followed, technique causing frustration, or peer assessment becoming unconstructive

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show common mistakes as well as correct technique, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips spread like a starfish!'
•'Hip turn first, then sling!'
•'Low to high, up and away!'
•'Weight back, then forward with power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 25m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for throwing stance

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Primary school discus checked for cracks or damage before use
•Appropriate weight for Year 5 students (300-400g maximum)
•Distance markers secure and visible
•No sharp edges on any equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Discus striking students in throwing or retrieval areas
•Collisions during throwing or collection phases
•Muscle strain from incorrect throwing technique
•Slips and falls during weight transfer and rotation

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing zones with adequate safety margins established
•No student movement during throwing phases without teacher permission
•Progressive skill building prevents overexertion
•Proper warm-up and cool-down reduces injury risk
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all throwing activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all throwing lanes simultaneously
•Monitor throwing technique for safety as well as effectiveness
•Ensure retrieval happens only when all throws completed
•Watch for student fatigue affecting safety and technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with clear signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain in safe area