Athletics (British Sports Library)

DISCUS THROWING 159 diameter. It will be seen from Sketch 14 that the circle is crossed in one complete turn, at the con– clusion ·of which the left foot is carried off to the left front at an angle of 20 degrees to the direct line 1 across the circle. Sketch 8 shows that the actual throwing movement commences just before the left foot is finally placed forcibly upon the ground. The thrower must be particularly careful to start the final forwar.d arm swing for the-throw just before the left foot takes the ground at L3 (Sketch 14). Further analysis of the thirteen sketches of Niittymaa will show that during the turning move– ment the arms and body move in a series-of rising and falling waves. He thus arrives in the position shown in Sketch 10, well crouched for the upward leg drive which lifts him to his full height, with a stiffened leg as a point of strong resistance when the discus leaves the hand, as shown in Sketch 11. The discus thrower is particularly advised to "make haste slowly." The steps of the turning movement must fit in accurately. If the thrower attempts at first to turn fast or in any way at random, he will foul by stepping on or going out of the circle, he will also end up by throwing hurriedly and with lack of proper body control and delivery force. In short, the turn must be practised slowly, first, without the discus, and then with it, until can be accomplished fast and with absolute mechanical