PaceSetter Book

Throwing Activities 4

WEB COPY ©EVEQUE

4.4.4 Discus Progressions for a Standing Throw

View from side at start

View from front at release

The thrower stands at the throwing line and places the left foot at the line with the right foot set back as shown above. The heel of the right foot should be in line with the toes of the left foot to allow turning and lifting of the hips and body. The discus is held in the left hand with the palm facing upwards. The right hand is then placed over the discus with the fingers over the rim as described in 4.4.2. The throw is initiated by pivoting the feet and transferring body weight. The discus arm is swung back with the thrower pivoting on his or her feet to the chin-knee-toe position. From here the leg action is brought into the movement to develop the fling with increased travel and momentum. The young athlete then practises throwing the discus flat whilst obtaining the spin with the first two fingers as practised earlier with the under-arm bowling. The young athlete should be encouraged to develop confidence using a swinging motion of the throwing arm and body. 4.4.5 Discus Progressions for a Moving Throw Young athletes under 13 years old may find it very difficult to master the concept of the full turn and accordingly the details have not been included in this manual. However, there may be an exceptional young athlete in the coaching group and therefore an intermediary stage called the South African Drill can be taught. For safety reasons this can be taught initially using plastic hoops or a tennis ball. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE

64