Maximum Time Aloft: Throw, Time and Catch

A school version of the maximum time aloft event (MTA): the student throws the disc upward into the wind so it hovers and comes back, and must catch it themselves with one hand. A partner times it, and students analyze which release angle gives the most flight time.

How to play

1. Explain: the disc is thrown at an upward tilt into the wind and counts only if the thrower catches it (3 min).
2. Pairs spread across a wide line, 8 m apart; they practice soft throws to read the wind (4 min).
3. Each student gets eight attempts; the partner times from release to catch and records the time and rough angle (low, medium, high) (9 min).
4. Each pair compares their three best times with the angle used and draws a conclusion (4 min).

Rules

• Everyone throws in the same direction, into the wind, and nobody runs into another pair's area.
• While chasing the disc, glance at the ground and to the sides now and then to avoid collisions.
• If a disc heads toward another pair, call out "disc!" loudly.
• Stay within the cone lines that mark each pair's area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throws from their spot and the partner catches; flight time is timed the same way.
• Visual impairment: the partner gives voice cues to guide the run toward the disc.
• Overweight or injury: does half the attempts and rests between each one.

Learning goals

• Read how wind affects the disc's flight.
• Relate release angle to flight time.
• Use timing data to draw their own conclusions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• flying discs: 15
• stopwatch: 15
• worksheets: 15
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

It works best with a light, steady wind; with no wind the times are short, but the angle comparison still holds. Use phone stopwatches if you do not have enough.

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