Lesson 4 - Discus Throwing Technique
Advanced Athletic Power and Precision Development
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to throw a discus for maximum distance?
Learning Objectives
- Develop correct discus throwing technique including stance, grip, and release
- Understand how body rotation and weight transfer create power for distance throwing
- Apply progressive skill development from static throwing to full rotation technique
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct discus grip and throwing stance
- Students will execute discus throws using rotation and weight transfer for increased distance
- Students will evaluate and improve their own and peers' throwing technique
Equipment & Resources Required
Check discus weight appropriate for Year 6 (typically 0.75kg or lighter)
Alternative: Foam frisbees, rubber quoits, or bean bags for initial practice
Place at 2-metre intervals from 10m to 30m throwing area
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers, or bean bags
50m tape minimum for accurate distance measurement
Alternative: Trundle wheel or marked throwing area
Create clear throwing sector and retrieval safety zones
Alternative: Rope barriers or marked safety zones
Include space for technique observations and distances
Alternative: Clipboards with paper or digital recording
Key Vocabulary
A heavy disc thrown in athletics competitions for distance
A throwing motion that sweeps the implement from low to high position
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during throwing motion
Turning the hips and torso to generate power for throwing
Straightening and reaching away from the body during release
The path the discus takes through the air after release
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing patterns from Year 5
- Shot put technique and weight transfer principles
- Understanding of throwing for distance vs accuracy
Current Skills
- Discus grip and stance fundamentals
- Slinging action and arm extension
- Body rotation and weight transfer integration
Next Steps
- Advanced discus techniques including delivery circle work
- Javelin throwing introduction
- Combined athletics events and competition preparation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Discus grip uses fingertips spread over edge, not whole hand like frisbee
- Three technique phases: weight transfer, rotation, then slinging action
- Hip rotation must occur before arm action for maximum power generation
- Smooth arc motion from low beside body to high extension creates correct flight
- Discus should spin like frisbee, not roll over and over through air
- Safety procedures absolutely critical - never throw until area clear
- Competition focuses on personal improvement, not beating others
Common Misconceptions
- Students often grip discus like frisbee with whole hand over top - emphasise fingertips over edge only
- Many try to throw hard immediately instead of focusing on smooth technique first
- Students often rotate arms and hips together - teach hip rotation leads arm action
- Common belief that longer run-up creates more distance - static technique more important at this level
- Assumption that heaviest discus travels furthest - technique and speed more important than weight
- Thinking discus should be thrown overarm like shot put - emphasise side-slinging action difference
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter practice segments, clear physical boundaries, frequent positive feedback and technique reminders
dyspraxia
- Break down technique into smaller steps, extended practice time, use of larger, lighter equipment initially
autism spectrum
- Structured routine with clear phases, visual technique cards, quiet practice space if needed
visual impairment
- Use textured or brightly coloured discus, provide verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for guidance and safety
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written technique points on display, hand signals for safety commands
physical disability
- Seated throwing technique adaptation, lighter foam discus, modified throwing distances and targets
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Sports commentary and description, technical vocabulary development, peer evaluation skills
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, calculating improvement percentages, understanding angles of release
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, rotational physics, trajectory and gravity effects on discus flight
Geography
Olympic games locations, international athletics competitions, global sports participation
PSHE
Goal setting and perseverance, supporting others, dealing with challenge and disappointment
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at side of throwing area for clear view of all students, move to behind throwing line during retrieval phases
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, smooth technique progression, safe throwing directions, and appropriate competitive behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with grip, showing unsafe throwing, or displaying poor sportsmanship
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Show each technique phase slowly and clearly, use exaggerated movements for visibility, repeat demonstrations as needed for understanding
Verbal Cues
- •'Fingertips over the edge!'
- •'Rotate hips first, then sling!'
- •'Weight back, then transfer forward!'
- •'Smooth arc from low to high!'
- •'Extend that arm on release!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m outdoor area with clear throwing sector, preferably grass surface
Surface Check
Level throwing area free from holes, debris, or slippery surfaces
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all discus for cracks, sharp edges, or damage before use
- •Ensure discus weight appropriate for Year 6 students (maximum 1kg)
- •Verify adequate number of distance markers and safety cones available
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Head/body strikes from discus
- •Muscle strain from incorrect throwing technique
- •Collisions during retrieval phase
- •Loss of balance during rotation technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing sector established with cone boundaries
- •Strict retrieval procedures - all students throw before any retrieve
- •Progressive technique building to prevent overexertion
- •Adequate spacing between throwers (minimum 5m apart)
- •Stop signal clearly understood and practiced
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position teacher for maximum visibility of all throwers
- •Monitor throwing area continuously during practice
- •Check students maintain safe spacing during rotation practice
- •Ensure retrieval safety procedures followed strictly
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical staff if needed