Athletics (British Sports Library)

166 ATHLETICS "snappy." You must have a good strong body and strong legs, but in building up these you must not over-develop your muscles, for they must be quickly responsive and the limbs, particularly the . shoulders, must be loose in the joints. Always train under the eyes of an instructor if this is possible, if not then train with a fellow discus thrower and check up on each other's work. Instructors should look out · for the following faults : Right arm bent instead of held straight when above the head in preliminary swing. Right arm not high enough and body too upright at commencement of turn. Body not leaning forward enough during the turn. Arms not moving up and down in waves. Muscles tensed into a tie-up. Upper rim of discus allowed to come away from forearm. Feet out of their positions during turn. (When turning, practice should be done on a cinder circle if possible, the athlete's feet will then write the history of his faults upon the surface for the trainer and himself to read.) Lack of upward body pressure and arm and shoulder follow through. Discus thrown too high. Left leg neither straight– ened nor stiffened at moment of delivery. Head not dropped back for delivery; Throw unsupport.ed from beneath by the legs, body, and arms. Throwing arm moving forward before the hips are up and the shoulders square to the front.