Athletes in Action

r' . DISCUS THROWING-SU~1:\1ARY (z) THE TuRN THROUGHOUT the turn, shown in Figs. 5 to 8 opposite, the weight of the body goes with the turn, in the direction in which the thrower is turning. If the weight is allowed to get behind the centre of gravity, the thrower will find himself leaning back in an ill- balanced position when he comes to make the delivery. Do not forget that the left shoulder leads throughout the turn and that the right arm must be kept well back, trailing loosely behind the right shoulder, with the hand which controls the Discus rising and falling to the rhythm of the turning movement. The initial half-turn upon the left foot, shovtn in Figs. 5 and 6 opposite, should not be made at too great a speed. But the moment the right foot is placed down in its new position the thrower should accelerate his spinning momentum and should complete a three-quarters turn upon the right foot at the greatest speed which he may find consistent with steadiness in the delivery action. The turning movement must be cumulative, the half-turn on the left foot is slow, the three-quarters turn on the right foot is much faster. Alv\.·ays turn on the balls of the feet, and do not forget to pick up the left heel, by bending the knee, as shown in Fig. 8, prior to placing it do'\1\'D. in its final position at the front edge of the circle and 20 degrees to the left of the line of direction. Practise the turn for some time : slowly at first, but gradually building up speed, without throwing, then turn and throw very lightly, until you can knit the turn and the throw together. N \0 ""'-l