Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Track and Field Athletics
Previous Lesson: Athletics Track and Field: Safety, Equipment and Rules.
Topic: Track And Field Event Throwing Event Discus
Subject Matter: Meaning of discus, basic skills and techniques, equipment and facilities, rules and regulations.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define discus as a throwing event.
Explain the basic skills and techniques involved in discus throw.
Identify the equipment and facilities used in discus.
State the fundamental rules and regulations of discus.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of safety measures in discus throwing.
Develop an interest in participating in discus events.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the correct grip for discus.
Perform basic movements of the discus throw technique.

Observe fair play and sportsmanship during practice.
Cooperate with peers during practical sessions.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Physical Education for Senior Secondary Schools Textbook

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Discus
Measuring tape
Throwing sector materials
Rules book
Discus sector markings

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamentals of discus, a key track and field throwing event. Knowing the techniques, equipment, and rules enables pupils to participate safely and effectively in sports and promotes physical fitness.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of track and field events and general sports rules.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Discus Throw

Meaning of Discus

Discus is a track and field throwing event where competitors throw a heavy disc, called a discus, for distance. The aim is to throw the discus as far as possible from a marked circular area.

Basic Skills and Techniques in Discus Throw

The following are essential skills and techniques:

Grip: Holding the discus properly with fingers spread over the rim.
Stance: Starting position in the throwing circle, usually facing away from the throwing direction.
Swing: Preliminary swings to build momentum and rhythm.
Turn/Rotation: A rotational movement within the circle to generate centrifugal force.
Release: The point at which the discus leaves the hand, typically with a strong wrist flick.
Follow-through: Continuing the body’s motion after release to maintain balance and avoid fouling.

Equipment and Facilities for Discus Throw

The following are used in discus throw:

Discus: A circular disc, made of wood or metal, with a metal rim. Weights vary by age and gender.
Throwing Circle: A circular area, typically 2.5 meters in diameter, from which the throw is made.
Throwing Sector: A marked area on the field where the discus must land to be a valid throw.
Measuring Tape: Used to measure the distance of valid throws.
Safety Cage/Net: A protective enclosure around the throwing circle to ensure spectator and athlete safety.

Rules and Regulations in Discus Throw

The following are key rules and regulations:

Valid Throw: The discus must land within the designated throwing sector.
Fouls:
- Touching the top of the rim of the throwing circle during the throw.
- Stepping out of the circle before the discus has landed.
- Throwing the discus outside the sector.
- Improper release (e.g., throwing it like a shot put).
Number of Attempts: Competitors usually get a set number of attempts (e.g., three or six).
Safety: Always ensure the throwing area is clear before throwing; never retrieve a discus until all throws are completed.
Measurement: The throw is measured from the nearest mark of the discus to the inner edge of the throwing circle, along a line passing through the center of the circle.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, reviews the previous lesson, and introduces the topic “Discus Throw” by asking if anyone has seen a discus event.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and questions, showing readiness for the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and connect with prior knowledge.

Step 2: Meaning of Discus

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what discus is, describing it as a throwing event in track and field where a disc is thrown for distance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of discus.

Step 3: Basic Skills and Techniques

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the basic skills and techniques in discus, including grip, stance, preliminary swings, turn, release, and follow-through.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations carefully and attempt to practice the grip and basic movements.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the fundamental techniques of discus throwing.

Step 4: Equipment and Facilities

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and describes the equipment and facilities used in discus, such as the discus itself, throwing circle, throwing sector, and safety cage.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the equipment and facilities, relating them to the teacher’s explanations.
Learning Point: Pupils know the necessary equipment and facilities for discus.

Step 5: Rules and Regulations

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Enumeration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher enumerates the key rules and regulations of discus, covering valid throws, different types of fouls, and safety precautions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, discuss the rules, and ask questions about specific scenarios.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the rules and safety aspects of discus.

Step 6: Practical Application/Recap

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reviews the key skills and rules, encouraging pupils to mentally rehearse the throwing sequence and safety measures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils recall and mentally practice the skills and rules discussed.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson content.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define discus in your own words.
Mention three basic skills involved in discus throwing.
List two pieces of equipment used in discus.
State two rules or regulations that can lead to a foul in discus.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reiterating the importance of understanding discus skills, equipment, and rules for safe participation. The teacher assigns homework to research famous discus throwers.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning and are given further engagement.

Lesson Keywords

Discus – A track and field throwing event involving a heavy disc.
Grip – The way the discus is held.
Swing – Preparatory movements to build momentum.
Turn – Rotational movement in the throwing circle.
Release – The moment the discus leaves the hand.
Sector – The designated area where the discus must land.
Foul – An infringement of the rules during a throw.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research advanced discus techniques or coaching tips. For those needing more support, the teacher can provide additional demonstrations and simplified explanations of the skills and rules, focusing on one aspect at a time.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure a safe environment for any practical demonstrations. Emphasize the importance of safety rules before any physical activity. Encourage pupils to practice the movements without the actual discus initially, focusing on technique and balance.