Throwing Discus - ThrowsLab

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• Home
• About
  • Coach Adrien Mellion
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Small Group Training
• Private Coaching
  • Regional Coaches
• Throws Camps
  • DISCUS, ROTATION & GLIDE SHOT-PUT CAMPS
  • Hammer/Jav Camps
  • Showcase Results
• Subscribe
• Contact

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Discus for Top Performance Throwing sports like discus and shot put are often misunderstood, with many people assuming they rely solely on brute strength. While strength is certainly important, throwing a discus is much more than just raw power—it’s a skill that combines technique, precision, and the right equipment. To truly excel in the sport of throwing discus, athletes must understand the impact of equipment quality, type, and weight. Before purchasing your throwing discus, it’s essential to know what to look for to ensure peak performance. Contact Coach Mellion for more information >>

Finding the Best Throwing Discus for You

When it comes to throwing discus, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The ideal discus will vary based on factors like the athlete’s skill level, age, gender, and specific needs. For example, women’s discus are different from men’s discus, and the Olympic discus weight is different from the one used in college competitions. Discus rim weight can also influence performance, with different athletes responding better to different weights and designs. Understanding your personal preferences and requirements will help you determine which throwing discus is the best fit for your training and competition goals. At ThrowsLab, many athletes prefer discus brands known for their high-quality performance and durability, such as FiberSport, Nelco, Denfliy, and VS discus. These brands offer excellent customer support and consistently deliver top-tier products. Other reliable discus brands we recommend include Cantabrian, Gill, Nishi, and OTE. When buying your throwing discus online, we recommend doing a thorough research and, if possible, trying out the equipment in person. Your discus is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s an investment in your athletic development and long-term success. Select Your Make & Model HERE

How to Choose the Right Weight for Throwing Discus

At first glance, throwing a discus might seem straightforward: pick it up, spin, and launch it as far as possible. However, the weight of your discus plays a crucial role in determining your throwing distance and overall technique. To optimize your throws, it’s important to select the right discus weight for your body and skill level. Schedule a Private Lesson

Official Discus Weights for Different Age Groups

Official throwing discus weights vary depending on the age group and level of competition. Here are the standard weights used in most competitions:

• High School Boys: 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs)
• NCAA Men: 2.0 kg (4.4 lbs)
• High School Girls: 1.0 kg (2.2 lbs)
• NCAA Women: 1.0 kg (2.2 lbs)

To determine the ideal weight for your training discus, you can use a weight adjustment formula that factors in your competition weight and throwing range. By multiplying the specified competition weight by a certain percentage (based on your throwing distance), you can determine the optimal discus weight for your training sessions.

Understanding Rim Weight and Its Impact on Performance

When selecting the right weight for throwing a discus, one of the key factors to consider is rim weight—the percentage of the discus weight that is distributed in the rim. The rim weight plays a crucial role in how the discus performs in the air, influencing the distance and stability of your throws. A higher rim weight means more weight is placed on the outer edge of the discus, which can help generate more spin and, in turn, help the discus fly farther. However, it’s essential to have the throwing skill and technique to capitalize on the advantages of higher rim weights, as they require more precision and spin to optimize performance. Every throwing discus comes with a certain percentage of its weight distributed in the rim, known as rim weight. For example, if you have a 1 kg discus with 75% rim weight, the rim alone weighs 0.75 kg, with the remaining weight (0.25 kg) in the body of the discus. The rim weight of a discus plays a significant role in how it performs during a throw. If the rim is too heavy or too light, it will affect your ability to generate spin and achieve optimal distance. Similar to a frisbee, a discus needs to spin to achieve flight. Without enough spin, the discus will drop prematurely, reducing its overall distance. Many young athletes believe that a heavier rim will increase their throwing distance, but the reality is that if you can’t generate sufficient spin, a heavier discus will not necessarily improve your performance. Start Throwing Farther

Discus Rim Weights and Their Intended Users

The ideal rim weight varies based on an athlete’s experience level and throwing style. Here’s a breakdown of different discus rim weights and who they’re best suited for:

• Center Weighted (50–60% Rim Weight): Best for beginners or those new to throwing discus. A more balanced weight distribution helps learners develop proper form and technique without being overwhelmed by the need for high spin.
• Low Spin (60–75% Rim Weight): Ideal for intermediate throwers who are starting to refine their technique and generate more spin. This type of discus offers a good balance between power and control.
• High Spin (75–85% Rim Weight): Designed for experienced and advanced athletes who have mastered discus throwing technique and can generate significant spin. This weight range offers improved distance for throwers who have developed the necessary skill to handle a higher spin rate.
• Very High Spin (85% Rim Weight and Above): Reserved for elite and professional discus throwers. These high-performance discs are designed for athletes who can execute flawless technique and spin to achieve maximum flight distance.

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Additional Considerations for Selecting a Throwing Discus

Beyond rim weight, several other factors should influence your decision when choosing a discus for throwing:

• Comfort: A discus that feels comfortable in your hand will allow for better grip and consistency in your throws. The right balance of weight and design can enhance your ability to control the discus and improve your overall performance.
• Competition Level: The level of competition you plan to enter should guide your choice. Whether you’re training for high school, college, or professional-level competitions, understanding the official discus weight regulations for your event is crucial to ensure you’re practicing with the right equipment.
• Budget: High-quality throwing discus come in a wide range of prices. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in your training and competition gear. While premium discs can offer superior performance, there are plenty of mid-range options that still provide great results for athletes at different levels.

“Great coaches, awesome atmosphere, and always have the best gear. As a coach who has hosted a ThrowsLab clinic before I can say first hand this group knows their stuff.”

Training with Different Weight Discus

To truly master the sport of throwing discus, it’s important to train with both heavier and lighter discus than your competition weight. Here’s why:

• Heavier discus: Throwing a heavier discus helps build strength, and when you return to your competition-weight discus, it will feel lighter, improving your technique and power.
• Lighter discus: Training with a lighter discus allows athletes to work on their throwing speed and release technique, helping to achieve a cleaner, more efficient throw.

However, it’s important not to overdo it with a too-heavy discus, as this can cause your form and technique to suffer. Similarly, while a lighter discus can improve release speed, it should not be used excessively, as it can lead to less power in the throw. At ThrowsLab, we recommend a balanced approach that includes a mix of different weights to help athletes achieve peak performance. Choosing the right throwing discus is essential to mastering the sport and achieving your personal best. Consider your competition weight, rim weight, and personal preferences when selecting your equipment, and remember that different athletes perform better with different types of discuses. With the right equipment and training, you’ll be well on your way to improving your throwing distance and technique. Take your time to research, test out different products, and make an informed choice—after all, your discus is a crucial investment in your success as an athlete. Learn More About Our Training

Additional Article:

Choosing the right discus rim weight to get the farthest throw

Frequently asked questions about ThrowsLab Camps

• What is a typical day like at a ThrowsLab camp?

  A ThrowsLab camp offers a balance of drills and throwing. The order is usually drills, lunch, then throwing. We make adjustments as-needed, depending on the format and time of year.

• Can I still come to a ThrowsLab camp if I don’t have throwing shoes or equipment?

  Yes. Not having throwing shoes isn’t ideal but still manageable to learn the technique, drills, and movements. We provide other equipment in limited quantities for ThrowsLab camps. You can also buy equipment from ThrowsLab at the camp.

• What kind of equipment do I need to bring to a ThrowsLab camp?

  Bring a shot put, two discs, throwing shoes, water bottle, and a towel to dry off implements just in case it’s necessary.

• Is lunch provided at a ThrowsLab camp?

  No. There are usually local places to eat lunch or you can bring food. There is an an hour for lunch each day at ThrowsLab camps.

• How many coaches and athletes will be at a ThrowsLab camp?

  We are very committed to keeping our coach-to-athlete ratio as small as possible. Our goal is no more than a 7:1 ratio. This means every athlete gets a ton of one-on-one instruction, but we’re also able to attend to a broad range of skill levels.

About your Throws coach

Coach Adrien Mellion is a renowned expert in throwing sports, with a proven track record of empowering athletes to excel in events like shot put and discus. As the owner of ThrowsLab, Coach Mellion has spent over seven years providing specialized private coaching, blending his extensive experience with a passion for athlete development. His dedication to the craft has been further demonstrated through his roles as Throws Coach at Weston Ranch High School and his current position at Manteca High School, where he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of champions. ThrowsLab Manteca, CA 95337 Copyright © Throws Lab |