Editing Discus throw (section)

==Phases==
The discus technique can be broken down into phases. The purpose is to transfer from the back to the front of the throwing circle while turning through one and a half circles. The speed of delivery is high, and speed is built up during the throw (slow to fast). Correct technique involves the buildup of torque so that maximum force can be applied to the discus on delivery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liveabout.com/step-by-step-discus-throw-technique-3258710|title=How to Throw a Discus Step-By-Step|last=Rosenbaum|first=Mike|date=2018-12-11|website=LiveAbout|access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref>

[[Image:DiscusRutgerSmith6551.jpg|thumb|[[Rutger Smith]] in phases of the discus throw]]

Initially, the thrower takes up their position in the throwing circle, distributing their body weight evenly over both feet, which are roughly shoulder width apart. They crouch in order to adopt a more efficient posture to start from whilst also [[Isometric exercise#Isometric presses as preparation for explosive power movements|isometrically preloading]] their muscles; this will allow them to start faster and achieve a more powerful throw. They then begin the wind-up, which sets the tone for the entire throw; the rhythm of the wind-up and throw is very important.

Focusing on rhythm can bring about the consistency to get in the right positions that many throwers lack. Executing a sound discus throw with solid technique requires perfect balance. This is due to the throw being a linear movement combined with a one and a half rotation and an implement at the end of one arm. Thus, a good discus thrower needs to maintain balance within the circle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://digitaltrackandfield.com/shot-put-discus-technique/|title=Shot Put and Discus Technique and Training|last=Cappos|first=Scott|website=Digital Track and Field}}</ref>

For a right handed thrower, the next stage is to move the weight over the left foot. From this position the right foot is raised, and the athlete 'runs' across the circle. There are various techniques for this stage where the leg swings out to a small or great extent, some athletes turn on their left heel (e.g. Ilke Wylluda<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vr-6mTLm30| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211031/7vr-6mTLm30| archive-date=2021-10-31 | url-status=live|title=wyludda discus throw 1996 olympics|last=throwhammer|date=13 September 2010|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>) but turning on the ball of the foot is far more common.

The aim is to land in the 'power position', the right foot should be in the center and the heel should not touch the ground at any point. The left foot should land very quickly after the right. Weight should be mostly over the back foot with as much torque as possible in the body—so the right arm is high and far back. This is very hard to achieve.<ref>[http://trackandfield.about.com/od/discus/ss/discustechnique_8.htm#step-heading Power position] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406011758/http://trackandfield.about.com/od/discus/ss/discustechnique_8.htm#step-heading |date=2015-04-06 }}, about.com</ref>

The critical stage is the delivery of the discus, from this 'power position' the hips drive through hard, and will be facing the direction of the throw on delivery. Athletes employ various techniques to control the end-point and recover from the throw, such as fixing feet (to pretty much stop dead<ref name="auto"/>), or an active reverse spinning onto the left foot (e.g. Virgilijus Alekna<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhZwyyfBCBo| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211031/YhZwyyfBCBo| archive-date=2021-10-31 | url-status=live|title=2005 World Championship Men's Discus - 1st Virgilijus Alekna|last=ntujavelin|date=26 December 2008|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>).

Sports scientist [[Richard Ganslen]] researched the ''Aerodynamics of the Discus'', reporting the discus will [[Stall (fluid dynamics)|stall]] at an angle of 29°.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://archive.auvac.org/research/publications/files/2003/niewiadomska.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-03-02 |archive-date=2016-03-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307060022/http://archive.auvac.org/research/publications/files/2003/niewiadomska.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>