The Wind Up and Speed of the Discus Throw with Mac Wilkins

Most often as we begin our careers as throwers we try to go as fast as possible. So many new throwers ask how can I get faster. After some time those who really start to learn how to throw realize that they need to slow down and spend the rest of their career trying to set up consistent, easy winds and move into proper positions. I am no different. The phrase “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast” that I like to use over and over as a cue to my self and my athletes. Sure go to slow and you’ll drop the discus but that is rarely a problem. In John Powell’s instructional he repeatedly said that each drill or throw should go from slow to fast. Often as throwers we go from fast to slower. As we advance the difference may not seem that much but I assure you it is. What is really happening is you are rushing positions and losing balance and separation between lower and upper body. The timing is off and it is so minute you might not notice it. As an example, last week during practice I was not throwing great. I tried slowing down to the point that so was just barely keeping enough momentum to keep the discus in my hand. To my surprise I had the best throw of the day. I’m no master at this but I did realize what was going on was I was slowing my upper body enough that my feet could actually lead the throw! Try this out in your next practice and I’ll bet you throw much better. Discus technical Article by Dan John and Ralph Maughan: My Website: Pick Up A Technical Analysis: Get...