Teaching The Discus Throw

Walker believes in developing the athlete in front of him.  He thinks it is important to give as much attention to the novice thrower as the experienced one in his system.  

As such, he believes in:

• Start at the front and work to the back
• Teach basics to the whole group first
• Individualize as you build the athlete
• Know each athlete’s strengths and weaknesses 
• Build on the strengths

Walker explains why he teaches from the ground up; standing throw through the middle of the ring to the full throw entry. 

Newton’s Third Law of Motion - for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction -  is the reason Coach Walker teaches from the ground up.  He wants his athletes to understand how to generate power  - that will lead to longer throws! 

Coach Walker shares his “standing throw philosophy” of: correct feet and hip placement, the importance of torque, timing, a logical sequential order to progressively teach and an ability to keep it all simple.  

You will learn why it is important to master the first four points of the standing throw before moving on to the fifth point, the reversal. Allowing one before the other can hinder the development of the athlete. 

Coach Walker shares a consistent and effective way to start the athlete in the standing throw position in the front of the ring.  He progresses backwards through the middle, or wheel position, to the entry and full throw.  

Throughout the video, he emphasizes how long foot-to-ground contact equals more force applied through the ground which results in more powerful and longer throws. 

Coach Walker, throughout the video, reinforces the importance of tailoring training to the athlete; considering individual skill level, strength, flexibility and range of motion.  

The video closes with a brief Q&A discussion on proper grip for the discus and several video examples of Walker’s athletes using the coaching points that he has shared.

This video is an excellent addition to a throws coach’s collection.  It is easy to listen to and chock full of information.  You will reference it again and again! 

CUSTOMER COMMENT (5 star rating)

“As a track coach, I’m always interested in different ways to teach.  Coach Walker shares his system and philosophy on throwing the discus and this video is full of ‘coaching gems’ for the throws coach. Great video!”

51 minutes. 2023.