Balance Revisited: Throwing With Your Weight Set
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Loading ...Simple cue, significant results.
Get your weight set on your throwing (non-pivot) foot before you throw.
To put it a little differently, you should be balanced with your weight on your throwing foot during your release. I like to cue a balanced “finish” position (stepped-out, at full extension or what-have-you) on the follow-through, as it encourages stability throughout the whole throwing motion.
You might counter with a “hey, I use my step to transfer power to my throw!”, and that can still apply; you’re still shifting weight away from your pivot foot and on to the throwing one. Trouble in throwing consistency arises when a thrower shifts her weight too quickly and releases before she is set (or never reaches a set position at all). At some point, that power of your step is transferred through your body to the disc (via a stable rotating torso and relaxed arm); when the legs’ role in generating power is finished, they should be stable and balanced.
The best throwers make it look easy and fluid, quickly stepping or pivoting into a strong release. The fluidity belies the stability and balance necessary. Take your time and deliberately practice getting your weight set (when tossing, or warming up) before you incorporate the quick shifts necessary for high-level success.
There are always exceptions; athleticism can trump fundamentals, but one of the two can be taught.
There is an extension to this exercise for a player who can perform it reliably. Be a balanced runner after the throw release. The aim here is to step out, execute an accurate throw, and in the same motion, start running. For instance, a forehand then run to your right (thrower's perspective).
The thrower will then have the skill of the throw and go.
Obviously this is practised after mastering the fundamental described in the post.
Nice one, stepping out correctly is indeed very important for your throws. A good tip I usually give is that you should step out with your toes first, then your heel.
Many people step out the wrong way, which impairs their throws.
Another one is to have your foot at a 90 degree angle with the throwing direction for a backhand throw, and in the throwing direction for a forehand throw. Many people don’t do this, especially on the forehand throw.
An example of the footage we’ve shot is on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1y5WlOQfdQ), showing this for the forehand.