Standing Throw Explanation and Calculator

Standing Throw Explanation and Calculator

By: Mike Turgeon

The standing throw in the shot put and the discus has always been debated regarding how big of a power throw do you need to throw far.  Watching high school meets I have seen numerous throwers warm-up with big standing throws but have full throws that are sub-par compared to their enormous standing throws. 

The following Excel spreadsheet program allows you to enter the distance of a full throw in English or Metric for the shot put or the discus throw.  A range will show a low end to a high distance that can be reached with proper technique. 

You can download the Excel spreadsheet calculator for standing throws here.

Typically, the closer the thrower is to their high end range, the better technically the thrower is.  If the thrower is not in their range it just means they have great potential for technique improvement.  Many times a thrower is strong enough to throw far but they do not have the technique to accomplish the distance.  If a thrower is throwing farther than their high end range they need to increase their strength levels. 

Throws Coach John Smith from Southern Illinois supplied the percentages based on his experiences as a top throws coach. 

Before you become convinced that you need to get stronger to throw farther, check out the math and see if technique is holding you back from throwing farther distances.