Rising Pressure: Disc Throws Through Cones with Consequences

Precision flying-disc throws through a cone goal at three rising levels of pressure: alone, watched, and with consequences for the team. It is based on graded pressure training, which helps athletes perform when the result matters.

How to play

1. Review the backhand throw and footwork; each pair throws through a 5-foot cone goal set 8 meters away (5 min).
2. Level 1: ten throws with nobody watching; record hits and nerves felt on a 1-to-10 scale (5 min).
3. Level 2: ten throws with two classmates watching and rating technique out loud (5 min).
4. Level 3: each hit scores for the team and each miss sends the whole team on an easy lap around its area before the next throw (6 min).
5. Chart hits and nerves by level on the worksheet; each student notes what helped them keep their technique (4 min).

Rules

• Nobody crosses in front of the throwing zone.
• The consequence lap is an easy jog done by the whole team, never just by the student who missed.
• Observers comment on technique, not on the person.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throw from the wheelchair at a shorter distance and record data while the team runs its laps.
• High anxiety: may stay at level 2 and move to level 3 when ready.
• Hearing impairment: observers give ratings by holding up fingers.

Learning goals

• Experience how different pressure levels affect accuracy.
• Identify personal strategies for keeping technique under pressure.
• Understand the reasoning behind graded pressure training.

Equipment for a class of 25

• flying discs: 15
• cones: 30
• worksheets: 30

Teacher tip

The physical consequence should be light and shared so it never becomes a punishment. If it's very windy, shorten the distance or throw downwind.

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