How to Make a Discus

Track and field enthusiasts have been celebrating the discus since as early as 800 BC, when the sport was practiced in ancient Greece. The discus is a heavy metal, wood or rubber disc that is thrown using a side-arm technique, and competitors strive to lob the disc as far as possible. Although athletes and enthusiasts can purchase their own discus at a high price, some may prefer to make their own inexpensive wooden discus for practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Square plank of maple wood (or other strong equivalent), 220 millimeters by 220 millimeters by 5 millimeters
  • Jigsaw
  • Measuring tape
  • String, 60 millimeters
  • Pencil
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and mark the center of the wooden plank's surface.

    • 2

      Measure and mark the center of one of the sides of the plank.

    • 3

      Tie one end of a piece of string to a pencil. Hold the tip of the pencil perpendicularly atop the mark on the plank's edge.

    • 4

      Hold the string taut so that there is no slack, and keep the pencil upright. Using the forefinger of your non-dominant hand, place the other end of the string on the center of the plank.

    • 5

      Draw a perfect circle by dragging the tip of the pencil around the wooden plank's surface, all while continuing to hold the string in place.

    • 6

      Saw away the corners of the plank with a jigsaw, transforming the square plank into a circle.

    • 7

      Sand down the edges of the discus to prevent injury and increase comfort for the discus player.