New
New
Lesson 9 of 10
  • Year 10
  • AQA

Discus

I can apply spin and lift to the discus to achieve maximum distance.

Lesson 9 of 10
New
New
  • Year 10
  • AQA

Discus

I can apply spin and lift to the discus to achieve maximum distance.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: releasing the discus off the index finger last will give it the spin it needs to travel farther.
  2. Move: lift the discus by moving from a low to high position on release using the legs to create the upwards momentum.
  3. Think: use a self-talk countdown technique during the preparation phase to focus on timing the throw.
  4. Feel: confidence is built through repeated throws of the discus and acting on feedback.
  5. Connect: being responsible for the safety of others by following all safety instructions will ensure a safe environment.

Keywords

  • Swing - the motion of moving the discus back and forth in preparation for the throw

  • Spin - rotating in a circular motion around the axis

  • Finger roll - releasing the discus to impart spin from the index finger to ensure a stable flight

Common misconception

Pupils will grip the discus by wrapping their fingers and thumb around the edges to prevent it from slipping out or dropping it.

The discus should sit on the palm of the hand with the edge of the discus sitting in the last joint crease of the fingers (if you turn the hand over to the top, it should fall out). The thumb should not grip the edge at all.


To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: Discus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Command style/safety-first approach is required. Be clear on instructions to leave no doubt about when you are happy for pupils to throw, collect and carry back the discus. Space throwers along a curved line, e.g. outside edge of a track bend. Only standing throw technique is used without a cage.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1.5kg discus (boys), 1kg discus (girls), stack of cones, 30m tape measure, recording sheet

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which word describes the spiral motion used when sending the shot put?

glide
pivot
Correct answer: corkscrew

Q2.
Which 3 body parts should be vertically aligned in preparation to throw the shot?

head, knee, ankle
Correct answer: toe, knee, chin
toe, head, chest

Q3.
What impact can positive self-talk before throwing have on the performer?

Correct answer: increase confidence
be distracting
decrease energy

Q4.
4. Complete the phrase: what, dirty neck?

dirty palm
Correct answer: clean palm
clean hands

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these should not touch the edge of the discus?

Correct answer: the thumb
the index finger
the ring finger

Q2.
For whom is it important to follow strict safety instructions in your discus lesson?

just you
Correct answer: everyone involved
your teacher

Q3.
Which finger will be last to touch the discus on release?

middle
Correct answer: index
little

Q4.
What sources of feedback can help you to improve your technique?

intrinsic
extrinsic
Correct answer: intrinsic and extrinsic

Additional material

Download additional material