Athletics of To-Day 1929

Throwing the Discus touching the forearm, there is a good line through arms and shoulders, body is turned well to right to get length of swing, and left heel is raised so that the first half spin, which brings the right foot from Rr to Rz (Fig. 36) may be made on the ball of the foot. This initial spin on the left foot is shown in Picture No. z, Plate 47, of A. E. Flaxman, so often runner-up in the English Championships. This first spin on the left foot must be made fairly slowly. Do not forget this, for it is a most im– portant point to remember. Take care to keep the throwing arm well behind the body and hang it loosely out from the shoulder. That is to say, the body must turn ahead of the discus. The right foot is next put down with considerable force at Rz, facing in the opposite direction to that from which it started at Rr. Care must be taken to control the left foot spin, and one's balance, so that the right foot falls directly on the line of direction and a little beyond the centre of the circle. At first the novice will find his foot coming down well beyond the line and to the left of it. This, subsequently, will drag back his left foot and give him a bad throwing position. As the right foot comes down at Rz the weight FIG. 37 of the body goes forward over the bent right knee and the spinning speed is instantly increased to its maximum velocity. Picture No. 3, Plate 47, shows C. Houser, U.S.A., Olympic record holder, commencing the right foot spin; he is coming towards the camera and not, as might be supposed, travelling away from it. Note the arm balance, body poise, and left foot lift. At Rz the right foot makes a three-quarter turn, rotating on its own axis until it reaches the dotted position in Fig. 36, and is pointing straight along the line of direction. In Picture No. 4, late 47, Flaxman is about to complete the spin on the right foot. Note the balance position of the left arm and the drawing back of the right, preparatory to a strong twist of the shoulders from right to left to start the throw, also the bending of both knees pr paratory to a forceful leg drive. Next, the left foot is put down with much vigour at L3, to u