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Lesson 4 - Discus Throwing Technique

Advanced Athletic Power and Precision Development

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Light Shot Put

1 per student (30)

Check discus weight appropriate for Year 6 (typically 0.75kg or lighter)

Alternative: Foam frisbees, rubber quoits, or bean bags for initial practice

Sun Markers

20-30

Place at 2-metre intervals from 10m to 30m throwing area

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope markers, or bean bags

Measuring Tapes

50m tape minimum for accurate distance measurement

Alternative: Trundle wheel or marked throwing area

Dish Cones

12-15

Create clear throwing sector and retrieval safety zones

Alternative: Rope barriers or marked safety zones

Score Sheets

15 (1 per pair)

Include space for technique observations and distances

Alternative: Clipboards with paper or digital recording

Key Vocabulary

Discus

A heavy disc thrown in athletics competitions for distance

Slinging Action

A throwing motion that sweeps the implement from low to high position

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during throwing motion

Rotation

Turning the hips and torso to generate power for throwing

Extension

Straightening and reaching away from the body during release

Flight Pattern

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

Consistent discus flight pattern without rolling

Visible distance improvement with technique application

Ability to self-correct based on throw outcomes

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