Coach ,

North Texas Throws Coach Jon Tipton explains how to maintain the positions in the middle of the circle better than anyone I’ve ever heard speak for the discus.

His work with United States U20 Discus Finalist Kevin Grubbs has been remarkable ever since taking over his training after a successful high school career.

The rotational forces at play when an athlete finishes the transition from the drive phase into double support at the front of the circle are hard to overcome without solid technical positions established leading into the delivery. 

Coach Tipton talks about holding the axis and settling in the middle when teaching his athletes these crucial positions. 

Here are the 4 drills that Coach Tipton believes will help your athletes be better in the middle of the circle. 

1- Wall Drill #2

In this drill you can see Kevin Grubbs do a good job of staying balanced and putting force down into the ground. 

Keeping his left knee moving towards his right knee and maintaining the right chin, shoulder, and knee in alignment as he reaches the box with the left leg. 

Link: Wall Drill #2

2- MB Drop Step 

A simple way to teach athletes to be patient in the delivery and work good positions in the middle is the MB Drop Step drill.

The athlete's goal is to bend the right knee towards the camera and to get the left foot down in a good position. 

I love the attention to detail Coach Tipton uses when pointing out some of the subtle flaws with Kevin’s eyes and head positioning. 

Link: MB Drop Step 

3- Three Pivot Half Turns 

One of the best ways to find the axis is to just get on the axis and keep working. You’ll see the athlete pause in each position which is a great way to check for position and ensure the right sequence has taken place before advancing to the next turn. 

The way to make this drill more challenging is to remove the pause and watch the athlete tap and go into each turn. Make sure to check that the athlete is initiating the movement with their legs.

Link: Three Pivot Half Turns

4- MB Backwards Throw 

I had never seen this drill before Coach Tipton shared it. I believe it is one of the best ways to teach the athlete to find the axis in the middle of the ring.

The backwards throw delays the upper body and allows the athlete to settle on the right leg and feel the axis before throwing the ball backwards to a coach or partner. 

Link: MB Backwards Throw 

How do you implement these drills in sequence with the other drills that lead into the middle of the circle?

Coach Jon Tipton shares a comprehensive overview of all aspects in the discus throw and a full set of drills to help your athletes be better prepared. 

Always be growing,

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