Lesson 4 - Discus Throwing Technique
Athletic Throwing and Jumping: Whole-Body Power and Control
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check for damage before lesson, ensure adequate weight for throwing practice
Alternative: Foam frisbees, rubber quoits, paper plates with bean bags taped on
Place at regular intervals to mark throwing distances, bright colours preferred
Alternative: Spots, chalk marks on playground
For measuring throwing distances accurately in competition phase
Alternative: Trundle wheel, marked rope
Mark clear throwing zones to maintain safety and organisation
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries
For peer assessment and teacher observation notes
Alternative: Mini whiteboards with pens
Key Vocabulary
A heavy disc thrown in athletic competitions, spun horizontally through the air
A throwing technique that moves from low to high position with extended arm
Turning the body, especially the hips, to generate power for throwing
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw
The exact moment when the discus leaves the thrower's hand
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
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