Discus Technique

Discus TechniquePresented by; Troy Titus

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04/26/2013There are two standard grips used in the discus. One is the Claw. In this grip the athlete places the rim of the top of the discus in a comfortable position without letting the thumb go over the side of the rim. The fingers are evenly spread over the top of the discus, again this should be in a fashion that is comfortable for the thrower. The second is the Power grip. Here the thrower puts the index and middle fingers together forming a stronger release point for the discus. This is a grip that you might use with an athlete that has a smaller hand.

T.Titus2THE GRIPPut your non-throwing hand beneath the discus for support. Your throwing hand (including the thumb) is on top of the discus with your fingers evenly spread. The top knuckle of your four fingers (not the thumb) should touch the rim, with your fingertips over the sides.

An alternative grip is to place the index and middle fingers together while evenly spacing the remaining fingers.

T.Titus3 Grip continued

T.Titus4This is the link between the front and the back of the ring. Facing the throwing direction, begin with the right foot near the centre of the ring aiming between the centre of the sector and the left sector line. The left foot will be aiming in the same direction and behind the right about shoulder width apart. The body weight should be over a bent right leg. Start the throw by winding the discus behind the right shoulder and raising the left arm. As this action is being completed, begin turning the right foot (never stop the turning of the right foot until the throw is completed). The left foot picks off the ground, passes close to the right knee, and lands at the front of the circle.T.Titus5The Half Turn

T.Titus604/26/2013The thrower keeps the upper body relaxed as he leads with the right leg into the centre of the ring.

The thrower pushes off with the left leg out the back of the ring as the chest is facing the right sector line. At the same time, he will sweep the right leg outward and then across the body as it is driven toward the centre of the discus ring. These points are extremely important to remember to make sure that the thrower does not over rotate out the back of the ring. T.Titus7The Full TurnThe thrower should land in a balanced position on the ball of the right foot near the centre of the discus ring.

The thrower should always be on the balls of the feet during the throw.

Make sure the discus follows the proper orbit, with the low points being when the discus is closest to the back of the ring and the high point being achieved when the discus is closest to the front of the ring.

T.Titus8shifting your weight forward as you continue pivot your hips. Bring your arm up at approximately a 35 degree angle to release the discus. The discus should leave your hand smoothly off the index finger with your hand at about shoulder height. Follow through, rotating to non-throwing side to remain in the ring and avoid fouling.

T.Titus9The ReleaseT.Titus10Images

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tolug58JIlQT.Titus11(4 lb 7 oz) (7lb 4 oz)(4lb 3oz)(4lb 6oz)T.Titus12What is the weight of the male discus?