Throwing Secrets: The Entry

Newton’s 3rd law states: for every action (force) in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction. For this reason, the entry into the middle of the circle might be the most important aspect of rotational throwing technique. Every action in the back of the circle has an equal and opposite reaction as the thrower advances into the latter parts of the throw.

Coming out of the back of the circle starts with an efficient windup. In this clip Tony Ciarelli, former throws coach at Newport Harbor HS (CA) explains the most important aspects to initiate a successful entry into the middle of the circle.

1. Load the Left Leg 

2. Keep Left Arm Inside Left Knee 

3. Keep the Knees Apart As Your Turn 

4. Chase the Left Side 

Vesteinn Hafsteinsson, a former Iceland discus thrower and now coach of some of the best throwers in the world, explains his belief that all mistakes in the discus throw come when the right foot leaves the ground. The main job of a coach is to teach the athlete to turn around the left. In the next clip he discusses the main elements and drills necessary to developing a proper entry! 

The moment that the right leg comes off the ground the left shoulder is over the left hip.

The left foot must maintain a low heel as it turns 

The right foot should never turn in the circle. 

The position of the body should reflect a backward ‘C’

René Sackk is a German National Coach and he has two landmarks he likes to look at in the back of the circle to access his athletes. He begins to discuss these topics at 3:00. 

The end of the swing or wind up 

The takeoff or lift of the right foot 

The uniqueness of every athlete creates some challenges in assessment but some tenants will always be true when addressing throwers entry into the circle. 

Like a first impression, the importance of the entry and preparation to initiate a throwing attempt cannot be understated. Keep hammering away at the basics in the back of the circle and watch the distances continue to increase!