THROWING EVENTS (DISCUS and SHOT PUT)
Strength, coordination, balance, and fundamental technique should be the focus of training. As an athlete becomes
more experienced they will also need to focus on rhythm and explosiveness blended with refined technique.
SAFETY is a primary consideration. Establish throwing and retrieving procedures from the start and always have
throwers throw from within a safety cage. Remind your student to CARRY all equipment back to the next person never
roll or throw.
PURPOSE OF MECHANICS : The objective for all throwing events is to propel the implement as far as possible. The
distance is determined by several factors: implements speed of release, height of release and angle of release. In the
discus air resistance and aerodynamics is also important.
DISCUS
Release off index finger/out front of hand.
Begin facing 6 oclock (back of ring), weight balanced on both feet.
Right leg (for right handed thrower) swings around to middle of ring, weight is on over left foot (see below).
Left leg brought around/opens hips up to front of ring.
Discus and shoulder stay behind bodydiscus level with shoulder.
Must have hip-shoulder separationif not, power is lost.
Left arm blocks as chest opens.
Keep eyes/head back as long as possible.
Holding the
discus
At releasehead should be thrown back allowing chest and hip to rise and give lift to the discus.
Discus throw: [Link]
SHOT PUT
Optimal angle of release is roughly 40 degrees, depending on the height of release.
Grip: hold shot on fingers/pads of hand (not down in palm).
Carry on neck, under the jaw, thumb pointing down, fingers extended.
The Glide Technique should be taught initially.
Glide begins with weight over right foot (for right handed thrower)left arm dangling and relaxed. Athlete
stands facing 6 oclock (back of ring). Non throwing side leg pushes back towards front of ring, land on right leg.
(actually falls back with momentum to middle of ring this is called unseating. )
Left leg is extended or driven to the toe board.
Upper body is closed (shoulders still back as far as possible squared to back of ring).
Right foot should be pulled underneath body and COM should be over the ball of the right foot. (When done
properly the only part of the foot that touches the ground is the ball of the foot).
Power position, COM over right leg, lower body initiates turn, torso trails hips and catches up as shoulders/head
come around at release.
Left arm blocks
As shot released dont watch the implementthe athlete needs to perform a reverse by looking to the side and
allowing the body to follow.
Release at 40-42 degrees with arm extended and thumb pointed down, shot flicked with fingers.
[Link]
Power Position
