The Functions Of The Pivot In The Discus

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* An athlete pivots before a crucial discus throw at the 2020 AAU Junior Olympic Games

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By Robert Marchetti


There are many skills needed to throw the discus at one's best. One of the most significant of these is the ability of the thrower to pivot.

Pivoting is defined as the central point on which a mechanism turns or oscillates. In the discus, pivoting is executed on the ball of the foot, with the heel elevated above the ground. Without the ability to smoothly pivot on the feet with balance, any thrower will struggle to rotate or spin across the ring.

PIVOT POINTS IN THE THROW:

There are four main phases where the discus thrower uses a pivot foot.

  • During the wind-up at the back of the ring
  • During entry into the first turn (turning the corner)
  • In the middle of the ring upon touch-down
  • During the delivery phase at the front of the ring (release)

THE WIND-UP:

Assuming a right-handed thrower, winding up is where the discus is withdrawn back to the right in a clockwise motion. During the wind-up...