Have you ever wondered how pro athletes manage to throw a discus as far as they do? The truth is it’s not just about being strong or fast, it’s also about using the right techniques.
So while going to the gym can help athletes improve their overall strength and speed, they will also need to engage in exercises that aim to develop the technique they need for discus throwing. That’s where equipment designed specifically for discus throwing comes in handy, as it can make the ultimate difference in how well an athlete performs on game day.
Read on to discover the top five accessory trends businesses can stock to attract athletes looking to perfect their discus throwing in 2024.
Table of Contents
An overview of the discus throw market
Discus throw equipment: 5 trends athletes need in 2024
Rounding up
An overview of the discus throw market
Experts say the global discus market will grow at a 5.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2022 to 2030. They attribute the market’s growth to the rising demand for discus in sports goods stores, online portals, and supermarkets. However, sports goods stores emerged as the largest application segment, accounting for 60% of sales of the overall market.
Other driving factors include the rising disposable incomes of consumers in developing countries, boosted demand for sports/recreational activities, and rapid increase of online retail platforms selling discus equipment. North America also generated the highest revenue for the discus market due to the increasing participation rates and rising popularity of discus across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. Experts also predict the Asia Pacific will register one of the fastest annual growth rates (4%) from 2022 to 2030.
Discus throw equipment: 5 trends athletes need in 2024
Discus training discs
Discus training disks, with 720 searches in February 2024, are specialized equipment designed to aid beginners in mastering the technique and form required for successful discus throwing. These disks are typically smaller and lighter than regulation discs, allowing athletes to focus on developing proper throwing mechanics without the added challenge of handling a full-sized discus.
However, what makes these tools special is their material. Manufacturers produce them from rubber or plastic, ensuring they are durable enough to withstand multiple training sessions. Even better, these training discs mimic the smooth feel of a standard discus, albeit with reduced weight and size. The results? Beginners can get the comfortable grip and release they need to learn the correct hand positioning and release technique!
But are beginners the only ones that need this training gear? No! Highly experienced athletes can benefit from practicing with training discs. While lighter ones help novice athletes build strength, coordination, and muscle memory, more experienced throwers can use heavier weights to hone their skills. Even beginners can gradually progress from light training disks to weighty ones as they develop their skills and strength.
Throwing shoes
Throwing shoes, also known as throwing spikes, have special designs that provide optimal support, traction, and stability for athletes engaged in various throwing events, including discus. Although regular shoes closely resemble discus-throwing shoes, athletes would be at a higher injury risk if they use such footwear during training.
So, what makes discus-throwing shoes unique? For starters, manufacturers pack them with durable materials to handle the demand of the throwing event—where regular shoes just can’t hold up as well. These designs typically feature reinforced uppers and robust outsoles, which provide all the stability and support athletes need during their rotational movements.
But there’s more! Discus throwing shoes also feature low-profile designs with minimal heel-to-toe drops, promoting flat foot positions for proper weight distribution and balance. Athletes won’t be able to generate enough power and accuracy for their throws without this design. These shoes also have customizable fits! Manufacturers may equip them with strap or lace closures to ensure the athlete’s feet remain secure with minimal movement.
What’s a throwing sport without agility and freedom? Discus throwing shoes come with lightweight construction to provide just that. This lightweight design allows consumers to generate maximum power and velocity on the training field or in serious competitions. Here’s the best part: interest in throwing shoes has boosted by 20% from 9,900 in January to 12,100 in February 2024.
Chalk and resistance bands
While throwing techniques are the main aspects of this sport, other things help perfect them beyond shoes and training discs. That’s why chalk and resistance bands are valuable tools for beginner and experienced discus throwers. Both training accessories can help improve grip on the discus, strengthen key muscle groups, and enhance overall performance.
Chalk is the powdery substance athletes use to improve their grip and reduce hand moisture during practice throws. It is typically made from magnesium carbonate, and athletes usually apply it before each throw. Since chalk absorbs sweat and moisture, athletes won’t worry about their discs slipping during the throwing motion. More importantly, if throwers want to exert maximum force and control for more powerful and consistent throws, they will need chalk.
On the other hand, resistance bands are the key to strengthening and conditioning the muscles for the throwing action. Athletes can use them in warm-up routines, strength training, and technique drills. What’s more, resistance bands offer adjustable resistance levels, allowing beginners to gradually increase their workout intensity as they get stronger and better.
Chalk and resistance bands are also popular trends. Chalk has registered a 10% increase, with search interest growing from 12,100 in January to 14,800 in February 2024. Similarly, resistance bands witnessed a 20% popularity uptick, from 301,000 searches in January to 368,000 in February 2024.
Weighted discs
If athletes want faster results in their throwing power training, they can’t go wrong with weighted discs. These discs are way heavier than the standard weight (2 kilograms for men and 1 kilogram for women). Why does the heavier weight matter? Repeated exposure to these overweight discs makes the standard ones feel lighter in comparison. Although weighted discs are incredibly niche, they have gained some popularity, growing from 880 in January to 1000 searches in February 2024.
But there’s more. Weighted discs also help athletes see any technical flaws in their throwing technique. Since distance is not the main goal with these discs, discus throwers can focus on refining their throwing technique and developing proper mechanics, timing, and coordination. Over time, training with weighted discs leads to more efficient and powerful throws when transitioning to standard discuses.
D-balls
These training tools take a different approach to discus throw training. D-balls have one standout feature: handles cut into them. These handled training balls are perfect for performing drills involving pausing in specific positions without dropping the weight. Like regular training discs, manufacturers also make them in different weights to help improve throwing performance at various levels.
Another reason why d-balls are a top trending piece of training equipment (8100 searches in February 2024) is because they are perfect for indoor use. Since not all athletes have access to outdoor facilities, they may want to train indoors to avoid losing their touch—and d-balls can help with that. If they are not using the handles for stationary practice, athletes can safely throw them into nets in sports halls or their backyards without damaging the floor.
Rounding up
Participating in discus throws requires a high level of power that’s not possible without training. And training requires having the right accessories to get the best experience. That’s why businesses must leverage these trends to help consumers prepare for their next big game!
Discus training balls are perfect for all skill levels, while throwing shoes provide enough stability to generate powerful shots. Chalk and resistance bands help improve grip and muscle power, while weighted discs and d-balls also help hone throwing positions. These are the top discus throw equipment trends to watch in 2024.
