Throwing Activities
4
The key element in throwing with a group of young athletes is the importance of safety.
It is therefore crucial that young athletes adhere to the following rules at all times:
• Only throw when under supervision and when instructed to do so.
• Never throw to each other with the exception of throwing drills with soccer balls, medicine balls
and primary discus.
• Do not collect implements from the throwing area if others are about to throw and only collect
them when instructed to do so, after landing.
• When retrieving and carrying implements, walk do not run.
• Do not play with equipment when carrying it and if possible walk around the throw zone.
• Be aware of other athletes and activities in the vicinity.
• Stay in designated safety areas when not throwing.
• Become responsible for checking the throwing area is clear before beginning their throw.
Many young athletes incorrectly assume that the hands and arms are the key to throwing long
distances. Young athletes should be taught at an early age to appreciate how certain parts of the
body can provide assistance to throw long distances, specifically the legs and hips which are
particularly important as they have very strong muscles. High-speed movements of the limbs can also
make important contributions to the distance thrown.
A simple demonstration of showing how strong the leg muscles are compared to those of the arm
muscles can be seen in the illustration below. One young athlete standing at the front holds both his
arms in a bent position with his elbows pointing down to the ground and close to the body. The
young athlete standing at the back cups her hands under the elbows of the front young athlete and
tries to lift him using arm strength and she will find it almost impossible.
The coach then asks the young athlete standing at the front to crouch down and jump up which he
should do with ease. An explanation can then be given to the young athletes that a high percentage
of the bodies’ weight is above the knees and the legs lifted all this weight effortlessly. Therefore, any
contribution gained from the legs towards throwing will make a significant contribution to the
distance thrown.
4.1 Introduction to Throwing
49
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