Discus & Shot Techniques

The techniques used in track and field throwing events of discus and shot put can be similar, especially for athletes using the rotational throwing technique. The other commonly used shot put technique is the glide technique, which is not used in discus.

  1. History

    • Both the shot put and discus were included in the first Olympic games in Ancient Greece in 776 B.C. The origins of track and field throwing events lie in tests of strength organized between athletes to test who could throw farthest. The discus was included as one of only two throwing events at the first modern summer Olympic games in 1896. The shot put at Olympic level is a round metal ball weighing 16 oz. that is constructed to be no softer than brass.

    Rotation

    • The technique used in the discus is the rotational technique, which can also be used by some shot putters. To throw using the rotational technique, the athlete begins his throw facing in the opposite direction to where he intends to throw the discus or shot, followed by a one and three-quarter rotation that ends in the throwing of the discus or shot. The starting position of the athlete is bent at the waist with the weight forward in a semi-squat position. The shot is positioned between the hand and on the skin behind the ear of the athlete, while the discus is gripped in the throwing hand of the athlete using the pads of the fingers. Using the rotational technique, the athlete twists her legs and upper body in the style of a coiled spring, the legs of the thrower are driven in the direction of the throw. The size of the throwing area for the shot put is 7 feet, and the discus throwing area is 8 ½ feet, meaning the thrower must drive across the discus area and push up in the more limited space of the shot put throwing area.

    Glide

    • The glide technique is commonly used in shot put throwing, with throwers pushing across the throwing circle instead of rotating around the circle. In a similar way to the rotational technique, the thrower begins the glide throw facing away from the direction he wishes to throw the shot. The weight of the thrower rests on the left leg at the beginning of the throw, and the upper body of the thrower remains in a lowered position throughout the throw. As the thrower turns as he reaches the edge of the throwing circle, the right leg is at the front of the circle. As the throw takes place, the left leg replaces the right at the front of the circle. The hand used for throwing the shot should be extended powerfully away from the body and extended at an upward angle. After the shot is released, the throwing arm should complete its full extension and be held at the top of the follow through.

    Techniques

    • Discus and shot put techniques are often taught by coaches specializing in both the discus and shot put disciplines. Techniques for both throwing disciplines are taught in stages to ensure each section of the throw is completed successfully. Changes can be made to the techniques to aid the body type, height and weight of each individual thrower.