Discus Throwing Technique

The discus is one of the oldest events in the Olympic Games, and thereby one of the oldest forms of athletic competition in history. The sport consists of throwing a heavy disk (two kilograms for men; one kilogram for women) as far as possible. Optimal results depend on the athlete's proper execution of a complicated spinning motion leading to the throw.

  1. The Grip

    • Hold the discus in your dominant hand, crooking the first knuckles of your fingers around the edge of the disk. Spread your fingers wide, but do not strain them, and orient your wrist so that your index finger is directly aligned with the line of your forearm. Use powder on your hands if necessary to eliminate stickiness or moisture.

    The Stance

    • Align yourself with the target area, either at your left shoulder or behind you. Most professionals face away from the target, which requires another 90 degrees of spin and can be a more difficult maneuver but optimizes throwing speed on a properly executed throw. Swing the discus at your side, keeping your arm as loose and relaxed as possible for maximum extension.

    The Right Leg

    • As you begin to turn toward the target, lift your right leg over your left leg and place it approximately in the center of the throwing circle. This leg will be your pivot for the main rotation.

    The Spin

    • Just before your right leg is planted, your left leg should rise off the ground with the momentum of your spin. As your right leg plants, your left leg should move low and fast around your body to plant in line with the right leg at the front of the circle. The discus should be rising into a more horizontal position with the centrifugal force of the spin.

    The Release

    • The left leg plants firmly and the entire momentum of the body is directed into the extended right arm. The hips drive through the rotation to face the target while the shoulders and arm trail behind and then snap through. The discus is released off the front of the fingers, rolling off the index finger, which imparts clockwise spin.