Rubber Ring Discus: From Standing Throw to the Spin
An introduction to discus using rubber play rings (ringos), from the standing throw to a full spin. Students learn rotation without the risk of a real discus.
How to play
- Grip and release: the ring hangs from the hand with fingertips over the edge and leaves off the index finger; swings and soft releases in pairs a few meters apart (5 min).
- Standing throw: side-on to the field, arm back, and hips turn before the arm (7 min).
- Spin without the ring: in a chalk circle, rehearse the turn on the ball of the left foot (for right-handers) into the throwing position (6 min).
- Full spin with the ring: throws into a sector marked with cones, best one measured (8 min).
- Compare: each student compares their standing mark with their spin mark and picks which one to use at the class meet (4 min).
Rules
- Throw only inside the marked sector and from the circle.
- Nobody stands in front of or beside the thrower.
- Everyone retrieves at the same time on a signal.
- If spinning makes anyone dizzy, they rest and throw standing.
Variations
Easier
Standing throw and half spin.
Standard
Full spin with the rubber ring.
Harder
Throw a soft training discus and measure in a cone-marked regulation sector.
Adaptations
- Visual impairment: standing throw oriented by sound with a partner confirming direction.
- Limited mobility: seated throw with torso rotation.
- Balance issues or dizziness: no spin, side throw only.
Learning goals
- Learn the discus grip and release.
- Link the spin to the throw.
- Respect the sector and throwing turns.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rubber rings: 15
- cones: 20
- measuring tape: 2
- chalk: 4
Teacher tip
The rubber rings from playground games are ideal; if you don't have them, soft flying discs will do. The usual mistake is the arm leading the hips: the arm stays back until the very end.
PatioLab has "Rubber Ring Discus: From Standing Throw to the Spin" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More main activities for High School
"Switch!": Talking Defense Against Screens in 3v3
3v3 games where the offense uses ball screens and the defense must decide out loud whether to switch or stay with their player.
“Throw Like a Girl”: Your Other Arm Explains It
In pairs, each student throws with their dominant arm and their other arm while their partner checks technique.
1 vs. 1 Channel Duel: Dodge and Score
In narrow channels, an attacker with the ball tries to reach the line without the defender pulling a tag.