Coaching Young Athletes

Use This Activity When Introducing the Discus to Young Athletes

The “Discus Waterfall” is my favourite drill to use when first teaching young athletes how to release a discus from their hand.

Starting Position

The athlete stands with feet parallel, holding the discus vertically in front of them, using the correct grip.

The Discus Waterfall Starting Position

The Action

Tipping their hand slightly forward, the athlete lets the discus roll over their index finger and drop from their hand “like water going over the edge of a waterfall”.

The Discus Waterfall Action

Finishing Position

The discus should land on its edge just in front of the athlete’s feet. The athlete picks up the discus and repeats.

The Discus Waterfall Finishing Position

Note

Watch for the athlete who allows the discus to roll out of the back of their hand or tumbles the discus over the tops of their fingers. The coach may need to physically move the discus over an athlete’s index finger for the athlete to properly comprehend the correct release action.

Let me know if this activity works for you!

I would love to hear how this activity works for you. Let me know by leaving a reply/comment or by using the contact details below.

Further reading

Coaching Young Athletes E-Book:

How to Teach Discus to Young Athletes

Articles:

5 Tips for Teaching Discus to Beginners

Why It Is Better to Release the Discus Out of the Front of the Hand

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