Drilling Into Discus Technique, Discus Throw Drills and Their Uses

Discus drills are a useful tool in the coaching arsenal for developing changes to an athlete’s discus technique. However, it’s important to understand why drills can be useful and where to implement them.

Why Use Disucs Throw Drills?

Drills are used to try and break into a more complex skill.  By adding drills onto each other a process called chaining is created and this is known to be an effective method of motor learning.

Most drill work in the discus throw is chained backward from the standing throw or power position. This makes sense given that all other movements, including the full turn itself, passes through this position.

Stuck in the Middle

Often athletes master the standing throw fairly quickly.  Many coaches look to develop the full throw from this point.  However, this often causes problems since the right foot does not continue to rotate into the standing throw position properly, reducing torque and thus weakening the throw.

The Back Influences the Front

One of the most difficult things to achieve is balance at the rear of the Discus circle. Despite its difficulty, it is critical to the development of the discus throw as slight imbalances here become major imbalances at the front in delivery.

Not An Isolated Activity

In a periodised year, it’s obvious that you do not want to spend all your time on isolated drills. Keep in mind that discus throw drills are just tools to aid in developing your technique.

Combinations of  discus throw drills are a useful progression that will allow you to develop an action closer to the complete discus technique and should be used later in the year nearer to the pre competition and competitive season.