Discus Throw Technique & Drills | Entry Mechanics

Summary

This video focuses on mastering entry mechanics with an emphasis on proper posture and technique. It covers key elements such as engaging the hips, maintaining a balanced stance, and using drills like the 360 pivot and tap-around drills to improve fluidity and control. The goal is to develop a smooth, efficient entry position by aligning the body from armpit to foot and ensuring the left side opens consistently. Coaches can adapt the drills based on an athlete's specific needs, making it a versatile tool for improving performance in this area.

Takeaways

• 😀 Good posture is crucial for entry mechanics, with a focus on engaging the hips, keeping the back straight, and maximizing arm radius.
• 😀 The athlete's stance should be shoulder-width apart with knees out, ensuring an athletic position that maintains balance.
• 😀 Arms should be kept at shoulder height to maximize radius and avoid losing balance during the throw.
• 😀 The preliminary swing helps the athlete build muscle memory for the wind-up, with a large, controlled motion that engages the non-throwing hand.
• 😀 As the athlete moves into the entry position, the weight should be centered between the feet, with the left side opening while maintaining balance.
• 😀 Coaches should look for alignment: armpit over knee over foot to ensure proper balance during entry mechanics.
• 😀 The left arm and shoulder should not be opened past the knee or hip, as this would result in loss of balance and falling in.
• 😀 The athlete should consistently engage the left side, keeping the arm, shoulder, and hip aligned to maintain a smooth movement into the throw.
• 😀 The 360 pivot drill helps the athlete practice balance over the left foot and refine the entry mechanics.
• 😀 The walk around drill helps the athlete practice tapping specific points to stay balanced and simulate the proper pivot position.
• 😀 The final fluid movement drill combines all the elements—balance, posture, and entry mechanics—into one cohesive movement to prepare for the throw.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the entry mechanics discussed in the video?

The primary focus of the entry mechanics is on posture, balance, and movement, with specific emphasis on maintaining a strong, stable position throughout the entry phase and incorporating smooth transitions into pivot turns.

Why is the position of the arms important in entry mechanics?

The arms' position is critical to maintaining maximum radius and balance. Keeping the arms at shoulder height ensures that the radius is optimized, while droopy arms can reduce effectiveness and disrupt balance.

What is the correct posture to maintain during the setup phase?

The correct posture involves a 'hip-engaged' stance with a straight back, wide wingspan, and arms positioned neither too high nor too low, ideally around shoulder height. The knees should be slightly out in a shoulder-width stance to maintain balance.

What is the purpose of the preliminary swing or wind-up in the training?

The purpose of the preliminary swing is to help develop the basic motion and arm position, ensuring that the athlete engages in a smooth, controlled wind-up and prepares the body for the entry phase.

What is the ideal balance position during the entry phase?

The ideal balance position during entry mechanics is when the armpit is aligned over the knee, and the knee is directly over the foot. This ensures proper body alignment and stability.

What is one common mistake athletes make during the entry phase?

A common mistake is allowing the left arm or left shoulder to move past the knee, which leads to over-rotation and loss of balance. The left shoulder should remain inside the left hip and knee during the movement.

What does the 360 pivot drill help athletes achieve?

The 360 pivot drill helps athletes develop balance and control during the rotation phase, ensuring proper weight distribution and alignment over the left foot, which is essential for completing a full pivot turn.

What is the purpose of the tap-around or walk-around drill?

The tap-around or walk-around drill is designed to reinforce balance by having the athlete step to specific points on the ground, simulating the starting position for a pivot turn and ensuring they remain balanced throughout the motion.

How should the athlete transition from the tap-around drill to fluid movement?

The transition from the tap-around drill to fluid movement involves removing the taps and focusing on stepping smoothly into the middle position, ensuring that the athlete lands in a balanced posture with tension through the core.

What key points should a coach focus on when putting the entire entry mechanics together?

Coaches should focus on the smoothness of the entry, maintaining balance during the transition from wind-up to pivot, and ensuring that the athlete keeps proper posture with the chest back, hips forward, and shoulders aligned for a successful throw.