Discus Throw

Discus Buying Guide: Find the Perfect Discus for School, Training or Competition

Discus throwing has a long tradition. In ancient Greece, distance throwing with a lens-shaped disc was already part of the pentathlon at the first Olympic Games in 708 BC. Back then, the discus thrower was considered the ideal athlete. Today, discus is one of four Olympic throwing events in athletics.

In our buying guide, you’ll find all the key information about discuses:

1. Indoor or outdoor: discus materials
2. Fast- and slow-spinning discs
3. Competition and training discs: choosing the right weight
4. How important is World Athletics certification?
5. Discuses for schools and kids’ athletics

1. Indoor or outdoor: discus materials 

Your choice of discus depends on where and how it will be used. A key factor is whether you throw in a sports hall or on an outdoor track. Depending on the application, discuses are made from different materials: 

Discus made of wood, plastic, carbon: Competition discs are usually made of plastic or wood and feature a metal rim in the centre. Durable laminated wood or robust special plastic ensures excellent rotation and flight characteristics. The latest generation of competition discs is made from carbon. 

2. Fast- and slow-spinning discs

There are differences between slow- and fast-spinning discs that affect technique and area of use as follows:

Slow-spinning discs are often heavier and more stable, which reduces their rotational speed. They are ideal for athletes who want to refine their technique, as they are easier to control and less prone to errors during rotation.

Fast-spinning discs are usually lighter and more aerodynamic, allowing for higher rotational speeds. They are preferred by advanced and professional athletes aiming for maximum distance. The faster rotation helps keep the discus more stable in the air and thus achieve longer throws.

3. Competition and training discs: choosing the right weight

Sport-Thieme offers high-quality, competition-ready discs that comply with DLV and World Athletics regulations for discus throwing. In competitions, men throw a 2 kg discus, women a 1 kg discus. For children and young athletes, models start from 0.75 kg.

The following table shows the official discus sizes according to DLV regulations:  

 

4. How important is World Athletics certification?

For use in national and international competitions, the relevant discs must be certified by World Athletics (formerly IAAF) to ensure they meet all requirements.

5. Discuses for schools and kids’ athletics

In discus throwing, the release follows a turning movement and demands explosive strength and excellent coordination. The discus is held in one hand with the fingertips. Children and young people learn this demanding technique best through preparatory exercises such as holding, swinging and rolling the discus. Light rubber discuses are ideal for beginners. Their reduced weight and excellent grip provide maximum handling safety.

Discover the right discuses for competition and training in schools and clubs, plus discus accessories such as throwing circles and storage racks – all in the Sport-Thieme online shop.