The discus is one of the oldest events at the Olympic Games and is one of the oldest forms of athletic competition in history. It is certainly a very technical discipline, and as such proficient discus technique is required alongside agility, strength, and speed in order to gain success.
There are lots of different elements towards being successful at throwing the discus. The grip is certainly one of these. Make sure you hold the discus in your dominant hand with the first knuckles on your fingers hooked around the edge of the discus. Make sure that your figures are spread wide, but not strained in any way.
Your stance within the throwing area is important as well, and most professionals prefer to face away from their target, requiring additional spinning in order to throw. However, the additional spinning will lead to additional momentum and therefore additional distance on the throw if delivered properly.
Your right leg is very important when throwing the discus. When you begin to turn towards your target, lift your right leg over your left leg and place it in the centre of the circle. This leg will then become your pivot for the primary rotation which is intended to offer you all of the momentum you require.
Just before you actually plants down your right leg it is important that you lift off your left leg and spin in order to create momentum. Your left leg should then whip around in front of your right leg as it is planted and then you should plan your left leg in line with your right leg at the front of the circle.
If you plant your left leg down properly your entire body will shift its momentum to the right arm holding the discus. The hips will drive through with a great deal of momentum and on the shoulders will follow, bringing the right arm and discus with them. Release the discus from the front of the fingers, rolling it off the index finger.
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