How to Be Discus Thrower Athlete - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 24, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Discus throw is a track and field event in which athletes compete to throw a discus as far as possible. It is an explosive event that requires the athlete to combine strength, speed and technique. The athlete must generate power from their legs, hips and core to propel the discus.

The technique of the athlete's release is also key, as the discus must be released at the right angle and with enough spin to give it stability and distance. The effect of this combination of strength, speed and technique is that the athlete can throw the discus farther than they would be able to with just one of these elements alone. The result of this is that successful discus throwers can achieve great distances with their throws, often exceeding sixty meters.

Steps How to Become

Develop a passion for the sport. Discus throwing is a physically strenuous activity that requires a great deal of focus, dedication, and passion. You must have a strong desire to become a discus thrower and be willing to put in the necessary time and effort to succeed.
Learn proper technique. To become a successful discus thrower, you must learn how to throw the discus with proper technique. Find a coach or mentor who can teach you the basics of discus throwing, such as proper stance, grip, hip rotation, and release.
Develop strength and power. Discus throwing requires a great deal of physical strength and power. You will need to work on strengthening your entire body, but specifically your legs and core. Focus on exercises such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts to increase your power and explosiveness.
Increase your flexibility. Discus throwing requires a great deal of flexibility in order to generate maximum speed and power. Work on stretching your arms, shoulders, chest, back, and legs regularly to improve your range of motion and flexibility.
Practice regularly. As with any sport, practice makes perfect when it comes to discus throwing. Make sure you are practicing regularly and consistently so you can improve your technique and increase your accuracy.
Participate in competitions. Once you feel you have developed the necessary skills to compete, find local discus throwing competitions and participate in them. This will give you an opportunity to test your skills against other athletes and see where you need to improve.

Discus throwing is a demanding and technical discipline of athletics. It requires skill, focus and strength to be successful. In order to become a competent discus thrower, athletes must practice and develop their technique, build strength and refine their coordination.

Throwing technique involves the correct use of the legs, hips and arms to generate power, as well as the ability to rotate the body in an efficient manner. Strength training is also important to ensure that the athlete has the necessary power to throw the discus as far as possible. coordination is crucial to ensure that the body moves in a synchronized manner during the throw.

By developing these three elements, athletes can become skilled and competent discus throwers.

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Job Description

Design and implement throwing drills and techniques for discus throwers
Monitor and evaluate athletes performance in practice and competition
Develop and maintain relationships with athletes, coaches, and other support staff
Provide feedback to athletes on technique and form
Keep accurate records of athletes progress
Assist in the selection of equipment and apparel
Assist in the development of strength and conditioning programs for athletes
Ensure athletes are adhering to safety standards and regulations
Attend meets and competitions to support athletes
Communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, parents, and other support staff

Skills and Competencies to Have

Superior upper body strength
Good coordination and balance
Ability to generate considerable rotational speed and power
Ability to accurately judge distances
Ability to focus and concentrate on the task at hand
Good technique and form
Mental and physical endurance
Ability to analyze performance and adjust technique accordingly

The most important skill for a discus thrower athlete is the ability to generate power. This power is generated through the use of proper technique, proper body mechanics, and strength training. First, proper technique is essential to maximize the power and accuracy of a discus throw.

This includes proper body positioning, arm and hand placement, and releasing the discus with the correct spin. Secondly, proper body mechanics are essential for an athlete to generate the power needed to throw the discus at a competitive level. This includes using the legs to generate momentum, using the hips and core to transfer the power from the legs, and using the arms and shoulders to finish the throw.

Finally, strength training is also essential for a discus thrower athlete to increase their power output. Strength training should focus on exercises that target the arms, shoulders, legs, and core muscles. By mastering each of these skills, a discus thrower athlete can maximize their power and accuracy, thus making them a competitive force in their sport.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a discus thrower?
What techniques do you use to maximize your performance in the discus throw?
How do you prepare for your competitions?
How do you manage the pressures of competing in a throwing event?
What strategies do you use to stay motivated and focused?
How do you stay physically and mentally fit for your event?
What are some of the challenges that youve faced as a discus thrower?
What do you think are the most important skills and abilities for success in the discus throw?
How do you handle failure or setbacks?
What do you think sets you apart from other discus throwers?

Common Tools in Industry

Discus. A round metal or plastic weight with a flat circumference used for throwing in track and field events. (eg: shot put)
Javelin. A long spear-like implement used for throwing in track and field events. (eg: javelin throw)
Hammer. A metal ball attached to a wire handle used for throwing in track and field events. (eg: hammer throw)
Shoes. Specialized shoes with spikes on the sole to help increase traction and provide stability during a throw. (eg: sprinting shoes)
Kettlebells. A cast-iron weight with a handle used for strength training exercises. (eg: kettlebell swing)
Medicine Ball. A weighted ball used for throwing, catching, and pushing during a workout. (eg: overhead press)
Weighted Vest. A vest that adds extra weight to the body to increase resistance and intensity during a workout. (eg: burpee with weighted vest)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
USA Track & Field (USATF)
National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF)
American Discus Association (ADA)
World Discus Thrower Association (WDTA)
International Discus Thrower Association (IDTA)
International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF)
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
World Masters Athletics (WMA)
International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

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Common Important Terms

Discus. A heavy, circular object made of metal or plastic thrown in a throwing event in track and field.
Throwing Event. A track and field competition in which athletes attempt to throw various objects as far as possible.
Track and Field. A sport consisting of various running, jumping, throwing, and walking events.
Grip. The manner in which an athlete holds an object when performing a throwing event.
Release. The moment when an athlete releases an object during a throwing event.
Follow-Through. The motion made by an athlete after the release of an object during a throwing event.
Rotational Throw. A throwing motion that involves the rotation of the body during the release of an object.
Glide Throw. A throwing motion that involves the athlete sliding their feet during the release of an object.
Technique. The specific steps, motions, and strategies used by an athlete in a throwing event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the world record in men's discus throw?

The current world record in men's discus throw is 74.08 meters, set by Lithuanian thrower Virgilijus Alekna on August 22, 2006.

How many times has the men's discus throw world record been broken?

The men's discus throw world record has been broken 24 times since its first official setting in 1912.

What is the most common grip used by discus throwers?

The most common grip used by discus throwers is the power grip, which involves gripping the disc on its rim with the thumb and four fingers.

How many steps does a discus thrower typically take?

The typical number of steps taken by a discus thrower before releasing the disc is four to six steps, depending on the individual athlete's technique.

What is the size and weight of a regulation discus?

A regulation discus used in competition must be 22 centimeters in diameter and weigh 2 kilograms.

Web Resources

Rams discus thrower on the podium at championships www.ciu.edu
Virginia Discus Thrower Claims National Title by Less Than an Inch news.virginia.edu
Olympic Physics: The Discus | NC State News news.ncsu.edu