Lesson 6 - Throwing for Distance
Multi-Discipline Mastery
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to generate maximum power and control when throwing for distance?
Learning Objectives
- To develop power, control and technique when throwing for distance
- To understand weight transfer principles in throwing events
- To measure and evaluate throwing performance accurately
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved throwing technique with weight transfer
- Students will achieve greater throwing distances through technical improvements
- Students will accurately measure and record throwing performances
Equipment & Resources Required
Check for damage, ensure appropriate weight for age group
Alternative: Foam discus, quoits for beginners
Use for initial accuracy practice before progressing to discus
Alternative: Rubber rings, flying discs
Ensure retractable and clearly marked in metres
Alternative: Trundle wheels, marked measuring ropes
Large hoops (1m diameter) for target practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Mark throwing lines and safety boundaries
Alternative: Markers, boundary posts
Key Vocabulary
Moving body weight from back leg to front leg during throwing action
Continuing arm and finger movement after release in direction of throw
Twisting motion of torso to generate power in throwing
The moment when the implement leaves the thrower's hand
Specific hand position for holding discus with loose grip on finger pads
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing action
- Understanding of force and power in movement
- Experience with measuring and recording results
Current Skills
- Weight transfer in throwing
- Discus grip and release technique
- Power generation through trunk rotation
Next Steps
- Advanced throwing techniques including javelin
- Competition throwing with official rules
- Analysis of throwing performance using video
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Weight transfer from back to front leg is essential for power generation
- Discus grip should be loose with implement sitting flat on palm
- Index finger is last to touch discus during release
- Trunk rotation adds significant power to the throw
- Safety protocols must be followed strictly in all throwing events
- Measurement is taken from start line to first landing point
- Coaching feedback should be specific and constructive
Common Misconceptions
- Power comes only from arm strength - actually involves whole body coordination
- Tighter grip gives better control - loose grip allows better release
- Throwing harder always means throwing further - technique is more important
- Measurement point is where implement stops - it's where it first lands
- Safety is only teacher's responsibility - all participants must be safety-conscious
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent role changes, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Break technique into smaller steps, use lighter implements, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual sequence cards, designated safe spaces
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured discus, verbal descriptions of technique, tactile guidance for grip
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, visual safety signals
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, lighter implements, adapted measuring techniques
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances in metres, calculating averages and improvements, recording data accurately
Science
Forces and motion, projectile trajectories, biomechanics of power generation
Geography
Understanding distance and measurement units, mapping throwing areas
PSHE
Personal responsibility for safety, supporting others, resilience through practice
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where all throwing areas are visible, behind the throwing line for safety
Observation Focus
Watch for weight transfer, trunk rotation, and safe collection procedures
Intervention Points
["Stop activity if safety protocols are ignored", "Provide individual technique coaching during practice", "Address measurement inaccuracies immediately"]
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques slowly and clearly, emphasising key body positions and movements
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance!'
- •'Weight back to front!'
- •'Twist and release!'
- •'Index finger last!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 20m clear throwing area with additional 10m safety zone
Surface Check
Level grass or athletics field free from holes, stones, or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check discuses for cracks or damage before use
- •Ensure measuring tapes retract properly
- •Verify hoops are stable and unbroken
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Implements striking students during throwing or collection
- •Collisions during throwing activities
- •Muscle strain from incorrect technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict throwing and collection commands
- •Officials positioned safely to side of throwing area
- •Progressive warm-up and technique development
- •Clear throwing direction and safety boundaries
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all throwing areas simultaneously
- •Maintain control of throwing and collection phases
- •Monitor technique to prevent injury
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid if qualified, seek additional help if needed