How to Compete in Discus Throwing

Discus throwing is a decathlon event and a popular part of the sport of track and field. The sport has been around for centuries and both male and female compete. Many competitors have been training for the event since they were children.

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare to compete in discus throwing by building strong arm muscles. Weight lifting will help you to strengthen the muscles necessary for throwing the discus and achieving good distance. Most competitors who are highly successful in this event throw the discus 230 feet or more.

    • 2

      Practice technique by playing Frisbee. Children who love to throw this round disk often end up competing in the discus throw during their school years. The discus used in discus throwing competition is much heavier, of course. It usually weighs 4 lb. 6.5 oz. for men's competition and about half that weight for women's competition.

    • 3

      Use your strongest arm when you compete in discus throwing. You must have good backward arm extension. Press the discus against your forearm when you prepare to throw.

    • 4

      Maintain good balance when you rotate in the circle. When you compete in discus throwing, you stand in a circle that's about 8 feet 2 ½ inches in diameter. You spin around several times until you get momentum to release the discus. In most competitions, you're allowed three throws. The best distance is the one that scores.

    • 5

      Develop your technique by competing in high school track and field events. If you attend college, you can advance in your ability to compete in discus throwing. You may advance to the level of state and national competitions. If you excel in this sport, you may even qualify for Olympic competition.