KS4 · Physical education · Year 10
Discus
Non-examined assessment: athletics practical
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can apply spin and lift to the discus to achieve maximum distance.
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Discus: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.
What you’ll learn
I can apply spin and lift to the discus to achieve maximum distance.
Key learning points
- Move: releasing the discus off the index finger last will give it the spin it needs to travel farther.
- Move: lift the discus by moving from a low to high position on release using the legs to create the upwards momentum.
- Think: use a self-talk countdown technique during the preparation phase to focus on timing the throw.
- Feel: confidence is built through repeated throws of the discus and acting on feedback.
- Connect: being responsible for the safety of others by following all safety instructions will ensure a safe environment.
Words to know
- 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 mistakes
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.
For parents, carers and teachers
- 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.