Techniques On Discus Throw
Last updated
Last updated
Some prominent historical evidence shows that traces of the game were discovered in 708 BC Shortly after being added to the 18th Olympiad event, it was also introduced to pentathlon events that included wrestling, running, javelin throwing and jumping. According to the facts of the Perseus Digital Library, in the early days, discs were made of stone, bronze, or iron.
The competitor stays within a circular area of 2.5 m in diameter and throws a disc of 1 to 2 kg into the air as far as possible within the prescribed area. If the disc falls over the zone boundary, the throw is considered invalid.
In this game, the player must hold the disc in his hand with his fingers properly positioned. Standing in the circular zone, turning around toward the place where the disc is thrown, gaining momentum and finally throwing the disc into the air.
The Techniques
The most common technique is the competitor starting at the back of the ring, facing out. The discus is held in the hand with the rim in the fingers. For a right handed thrower, they then rotate on the left foot toward the front of the circle. The right foot lands in the middle of the ring, then the left leg comes through to the front of the ring. The competitor uses a sidearm movement to bring the discus forward and then spins the discus off the index or middle finger.
What is the weight of the discus and how is it thrown?
The weight of the discus is fixed at 2kg for the men and 1kg for women. The metal disc is basically thrown by an athlete by standing inside a circle with a diameter of 2.5m.
Discus throwers are not allowed to touch the top of rim of the throwing circle, but can touch the inside edges of it. The athletes are also prohibited to touch the ground beyond the circle. And if the athlete crosses the circle before the disc lands on the ground then it is considered a foul throw.
There is also a particular boundary marked for landing the disc and if lands beyond then the throw is considered invalid. Each athlete is given eight attempts at the Olympics to mark their best possible throw.
Discus throw rules and scoring system at the Olympics
Only the 12 players with the best pitches in the preliminary round will qualify for the final. All competitors can try three times to record their best draw. Based on the first three attempts, the top eight will have three additional opportunities and will be ranked based on the longest throw.
For tiebreakers, the second best draw determines the winner.
Measurements are taken from the first point where the disc breaks the ground to the inside of the arc of the circle thrown with tape. The referee holds the tape so that the zero end is at the point where the disc breaks the field and pulls the measuring tape to the center of the circle where the measuring tape is thrown. However, the distance is measured to the point where the tape intersects the inner edge of the circumference.