The 3 Discus Techniques

In general there are 3 distinct techniques to throwing the discus:

1.The East German Technique- 0:00- 1:00
This style is also known as the non-reverse. While other techniques can use a non-reverse if the athlete so chooses. The East German style hinges on a very rotational throw with a long sweep out of the back and a tight turn into a hard block. This means all of your energy goes into the throw however you can't add anything with your legs in the finish. This style holds the world record but, this doesn't mean its for everyone. If you are 6'5'' and up with very long arms and legs this style works wonderful because it capitalizes on your natural levers. This is also very popular among female throwers.
   • German Discus Technique  

2. Linear Technique- 1:01- 4:45
Developed by Ludvik Danek and perfected by John Powell and Luis Delis. The master of this technique is John Powell. Standing at 6'2'' not nearly as strong as his competitors he still had many victories and 71m throws. This style is best described as a sprint through the circle, a linear throw with a turn in the middle. It's keys being the footwork and speed thereof combined with a long discus radius and tight legs. Think of a narrow leg sweep out of the back, a short step into the middle, and a long base for a finish using the entire right side of the body.
   • Linear Discus Technique  

3. Utah State University (Wilkins) technique- 4:46
This is by far the most popular and most misunderstood technique. This style uses a high (wild), and 'early' right leg out of the back. Coming high into the middle with long legs working together (as a unit) the finish a lifting and extending of the legs followed by a hard right into left leg block. The finish and momentum out of the back is what makes this technique. Instead of turning all the way out of the back you instead sit your butt into the middle of the circle and let gravity do the work for you. This technique uses a very wide radius of your limbs going around the circle. This finish means you have to stop everything and let the throwing arm go all the way by itself. Think throwing "like a glider" to finish in this style. Hips and chest forward and up with extended scissor legs. Some of the best technicians include: Glen Passey, Wolfgang Schmidt, Knut Hljetnes, Jay Silvester, and of course Mac Wilkins
   • Utah State University Technique  

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Naturally there are variations in every technique based upon the individual athlete's build and decisions of how to throw. How ever these descriptions hold true and allow a greater understanding of what you will see in a throw from different athletes and how you want to pursue your technique.
The biggest part is choosing a style and sticking with if even if you add your own flavor. Stick with it long enough and it may pay off. I would suggest picking whatever comes more naturally/easier to you. The basics remain the same. If you just can't do a certain style no matter what you try (assuming you've spent at least 10000-15000 throws on it) try another one.
For example I tried for 2 years to throw like Wilkins in high school. Later I stumbled upon John Powell and threw much farther much easier. But if took a few years to break bad habits from my old technique. I can say however learning to block like that is incredibly valuable for both the Linear and Utah State techniques.

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Useful links for more reading and watching:

A Contrarian Approach to the Discus By Dan John:
http://danjohn.net/pdfs/book.pdf

Shaun Pickering discussing John Powell and Brian Oldfield:
http://danjohn.net/jpa.html

An in depth commentary on Discus by Dan John:
https://danjohn.wpengine.com/ralph-ma...

Video Version of above article:
   • My Commentaries On Ralph Maughan's Cl...  

60 pages of John Powell Discus Camp Notes By Dan John:
https://danjohn.wpengine.com/pdfs/all...

Dan John's 1996 Discus Clinic Notes:
https://danjohn.net/2012/04/my-1996-d...

San Jose State Throws Program:
https://danjohn.net/2009/11/richard-m...

Lessons From The Past By Dan John:
http://danjohn.net/lessons-from-the-p...

John Powell's Discus Video Instructional:
   • John Powell Discus Throw Instructional  

John Powell Teaching Ricky Bruch:
   • Ricky Bruch training DISCUS by John P...  

The Soul Is Greater Than The World--- Ricky Burch Documentary:
   • Själen är större än världen / The sou...  

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