Discus Throwing

The discus is a discipline of the athletics whose main goal is to throw an object with certain weight and known as circular disc, the greatest distance possible. This practice is located within the field tests and consists of a turn and a half that the athlete must give on his own axis . It is considered one of the oldest disciplines and can be practiced by both women and men.

What is discus throwing?

The discus throw test consists of standing up and throwing a ball called the discus as far as possible by turning the body. The practice of this sport takes place within a circle that measures between 2,500 and 2,949 meters and is marked by a metal band which is placed at ground level and must be painted white. This disc can be made of wood or metal, as long as they meet the correct weight and the required technical specifications. The disc that the men use must have a weight of two kilogramsand a diameter between 219 and 221 millimeters, at the same time its thickness must be between 44 and 46 millimeters in its flat part. For women , the disc must have a minimum weight of one kilogram and its diameter must be between 180 and 182 millimeters with a thickness of 37 and 39 millimeters. The throwing player rotates around himself to achieve greater speed and then must throw the puck with his arm in an extended position in a quick movement. Discus throw history,

Homer spoke about the realization of a festival in which a record would be released in honor of Patroclus and said event was organized by Achilles , this is the only evidence in the history of the use of the record in ancient times. The incorporation of this discipline occurred in Athens in 1896 and women entered the competition in 1928, during the Amsterdam Olympics. In the year 1896 it became one of the main sporting events in the Olympic games .

Discus throw technique

To make a correct and adequate turn , the player must turn on his own axis one and a half times. Then you should hit the ball with your arm fully stretched out in a quick motion . Each competitor may throw the puck three times while in the knockout round and then three more shots in the final round.

Discus throw rules

• Each competitor may throw the puck three times while in the knockout round and then three more shots in the final round.
• The area in which the throw is made must be protected by a cage , which will be covered by a net.
• The attempts should be measured immediately after the attempt and it is measured from the nearest mark the disk within the circle.
• If the puck falls when the spin is in progress, it results in an unsuccessful attempt.
• If the athlete touches the top or outside of the circle it is considered a failure.
• The athlete must remain within the circle until the disc makes contact with the ground, otherwise it would be considered a fault.
• The hands should be free, they are not allowed gloves or bandages , unless the athlete has an injury to them.
• The use of chalk on the hands is allowed to improve the grip of the disc and that it does not slip from the participant’s hands.
• Athletes can only touch the inside of the circle.

Phases

Discus throwing has the following phases:

• Phase preparation or position of exit and entry into twist: in this phase the pitcher has support on the ground and ends when the foot right loses contact with the ground.
• Entry phase or rotation on the left foot: this phase is supportive and ends when the left foot loses all contact it has with the ground.
• Phase of flight or phase air : it is a phase that ends at coming into contact with the ground again.
• Phase transition : this phase is when the right foot reaches the floor with the left foot .
• Phase loose or phase end : support at this stage is double and ends when the athlete throws the disc .

Track

The discus throwing area is made up of a circle with a diameter of 2.5 meters. This area must be delimited by lines 5 centimeters wide, painted in white . The surface must be covered by some type of non- slip material . It also has a cage with a minimum height of 7 meters and must be made with strong mesh that is capable of stopping a very heavy object that is going at full speed.

Sneakers

The shoes of athletes who practice discus throw must be completely flat and smooth to allow a better spin. They also have an external reinforcement that is in greater contact with the ground during performance and practice. They should be able to fit the pitcher’s foot just like a sock does.