Discus

To achieve maximum distance in the Discus the athlete will have to balance three components - speed, technique and strength. The information on this page is for a right handed thrower.

The hold

Place the left hand under the discus for support Place the right hand on top of the discus Spread the fingers evenly but not stretched The first joint of the fingers curling over the rim of the discus Do not to grip the discus Allow the discus to rest on the first joint of the fingers with the tips of the fingers over the rim.

Throwing Technique

• Figures 1 & 2
  • Adopt a shoulder width stance and perform preliminary swings
  • Keep everything very long to provide maximum possible radius on the discus
  • Body weight in the middle of the stance
  • Aim for chin over knee over toe on the left leg
• Figures 3 & 4
  • As the right foot leaves the ground the weight must be over the left leg
  • Discus kept high and relaxed, trailing behind the hips
  • Swing the right foot wide of the left foot into the centre of the circle
• Figure 5
  • On grounding the right foot pivots on the ball of the foot
  • Keep the left foot low and fast

• Figure 6
  • Discus held high and back
  • Keep the shoulders level and balanced
  • As the right foot lands aim for a chin over knee over toe on the right leg
  • Keep the left foot low and fast
• Figure 7
  • Real power position is at the moment the left foot makes contact with the ground
  • Left arm points in direction of the throw
  • Right foot pivots
  • Left side of the body is braced
  • Drive the right hip forward
• Figure 8
  • Right hip has been driven forward - note the "bow" position
  • The right arm is long and relaxed ready to strike
  • Left side kept firm and braced
• Figure 9
  • The right arm comes through fast and last
  • The release angle (angle between the horizontal and the right arm) for the discus has to take into consideration aerodynamic lift and drag. The optimum angle for the discus is about 35 degrees (Bartonietz, 2000).
  • Left foot is kept grounded until well after the discus is released
  • Check right thumb is pointing forward and in line with the arm

Optimum Release Angle

Each athlete has a unique combination of release velocity and release angle that depends on their size, strength, and throwing technique which means that each athlete has their own specific optimum release angle. Knicker (1997)^[1] identifies that the optimum release angle for a world-class discus thrower may be 35°± 8°.

Specifications

The weight specification for the discus depends on gender and age.

Training Programs

A training program has to be developed to meet the individual needs of the athlete and take into consideration many factors: gender, age, strengths, weaknesses, objectives, training facilities etc. As all athletes have different needs a single program suitable for all athletes is not possible.

Training Pathway

Athletes in the Event Group stage

The following is a basic annual training program suitable for athletes in the Event Group development stage:

• General Throws Training Program

Athletes in the Event stage

The following is an example of a specific annual training programs suitable for athletes in the Event development stage:

• Discus Training Program

Evaluation Tests

The following evaluation tests can be used to monitor the athlete's development:

• 60 metre speed test
• Quadrathlon
• Strength test - upper body (Bench Press)
• Strength test - lower body (Leg Press)
• Sit Ups test - abdominal strength
• Sit and Reach test - lower back and hamstring test
• Vertical Jump test

Rules of Competition

The competition rules for this event can be obtained from:

• International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
• UK Athletics (UKA)

References

1. KNICKER, A. (1997) Biomechanical analysis of the throwing events. In: BRUGGEMANN, D. et al. (1997) Biomechanical Research Project Athens 1997, final Report. Oxford, Meyer and Meyer Sport

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2002) Discus [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/dicus/index.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Discus Technique
• Discus Training Program
• Discus Throwing Photo Sequence
• Planning the Training - 6 stages of development
• Find a Coach
• Sport/Event specific articles
• Tips to Increase upper body throwing power

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

• JONES, M. (1986) How to Teach the Throws. England, British Amateur Athletic Board