Throwing Activities
4
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WEB COPY
©EVEQUE
WEB COPY
©EVEQUE
4.4.3 Under-Arm Bowl With a Discus
The first step that should be taught is the release of the discus using an under-arm bowl. The young
athlete in the manner described in 4.4.2 holds a primary discus and should practise under-arm
bowling so that the discus has forward spin from the index finger when it is projected if it is released
correctly. A white dot can be painted onto the discus and when performing the practices the forward
spin can be checked by the clockwise rotation of the dot. Organising the young athletes into groups
of four and arranging them in a square will allow practice by rolling the discus to each other.
Encourage the young athletes to keep their body low and take a small stride forwards, when rolling
the discus to each other, which will allow a smooth arm swing that culminates in a full arm extension
into the release position. The young athletes should attempt to roll the discus along the ground so it
travels as straight as possible.
This under-arm bowling should be practised until the young athlete has obtained a reasonable
amount of forward spin. This can be developed by trying the same exercise but raising the arm action
little by little until the primary discus can be thrown so that it travels smoothly without wobbling. The
discus is a very difficult throw as it is hard to judge when to release it and, if the implement leaves
the hand wobbly, it will lose glide and therefore not travel as far.
