Throwers Drill Work

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Technique training is vital to throwing. Even with all the power in the world, an athlete will not realize their potential without proper form. This article list some drills for shot putters and discus throwers to incorporate into their training routine.

DISCUS

● Each drill has a specific focus so make sure you are concentrating on that. You need to practice these drills without looking down. Trust your movements and yourself.

○ Quarter Turns: Focus on crisp perfect reps. 5 complete rotations

■ Arm locked and loaded, solid base, chin & chest up. Heels never touch the ground.

○ Half Turns-Out of the back: Reset each time like it is a new throw

■ 10 perfect reps- Focus on posture and staying level. Don’t stand up.

○ Half Turns-Through the middle: These are about driving the “kick leg” through the middle quickly and efficiently

■ Focus on balance and keeping the arm up and back

■ The pivoting foot should never have the heel touch.

■ Aim to get quicker and quicker without losing control

■ 10 perfect reps

○ Slow motion full throws-This is a challenging drill

■ This movement goes through the entire throw in a slow and controlled manner.

■ The objective is to hit all main positions throughout the throw.

■ 10 perfect reps.

○ Full throws

■ Go throw an entire throw full speed. The point is to be under control but try to gain speed.

■ Focus: Maintaining proper positioning while getting comfortable with the throw.

SHOT PUT

● Focus on balance and getting movement with the kicks

○ Single leg step unders-Step out as far as you can. Push your limits

■ 10 perfect reps.

■ This drill is about building strength and maintaining balance.

○ Kicks out of the back & freeze

■ Emphasize on ‘staying back’

● This means eyes, shoulders, and hips still face back

■ Objective: Get some distance on the kick backs. ■ 10 perfect reps

○ Kicks out of the back & finish

■ While doing these maintain staying back in the first half.

■ SQUISH THE BUG as quickly as possible right when the pivot foot hits the ground

■ Rotate the hips, then torso, then finally the shoulders and mimic throwing the shot.

○ Full gliding throws on air

■ Emphasis on perfect posture

● Eyes, shoulders, hips back

● Elbow up

● Squish the bug!

● Rotate through and finish the throw