The rules for shot are essentially the same for discus. They are done in the same arena and you must not break the barrier while throwing. The only thing about discus that differs from shot is timing your throw. With throwing shot most people who spin for momentum are fairly under control, but for discus sometimes the athletes get spinning so fast that they lose control of their grip and end up throwing out of bounds or hurdling themselves over the barrier. For a non thrower like myself the mechanics for throwing shot and disc seem to fairly similar but if you really want to know how to be a super star at throwing discus just the one, the only, Todd John Allen Baker Junior the 3rd!! Todd John, normally known as T.J., is known for being a tremendous athlete in all his sports! He is also a huge asset to the track team by being our number one discus discus thrower and even a state meet qualifier in the discus. T.J. is a symbol for practice and placement over power. Although this statement goes against Evan Ferritto's volleyball theory of "power over placement!" it proves otherwise in the world of discus. T.J. weighing in at around 180 pounds and being around 6 feet tall out throws many throwers who are way bigger, stronger, and taller than him. This is because T.J. has the discipline to practice his form over and over until it is near perfection. And this perfection is what sent him to the 2014 Division 2 State Meet.
While T.J. is killing the competition for the boy's team, a true Freshman named Liz Pyles came aboard the girl's team and started her throwing career off stupendously! Liz not only became the best girl thrower her first year doing high school track but she did it with a broken foot too. Even with a boot on her foot, Liz was still able to throw really well for the girls and qualify for the state meet in shot but fell short in the discus, but this year, hopefully without injury, both her and T.J will be able to qualify for both shot and disc!
When it comes down to the basics of any throwing event, technique must always come first. It never matters how strong or tall you are, if your form is terrible your place at that meet will be terrible also. So if you ever think about trying out throwing in case running isn't your thing just ask Liz or T.J. about it so they can give you a good perspective on it. Also if you just want an autograph from either Liz or T.J they'll be signing in the spring so make sure you have your paper and pens kids!
