Paralympic Seated Throw: Anchor the Chair, Use the Trunk

Technical workshop on the seated throw in para athletics, where athletes throw from a throwing chair anchored to the ground. Students analyze how technique and the force chain change when the legs don't contribute.

How to play

1. Intro and setup: in seated throwing classes the chair is anchored and the athlete can't lift their glutes; here, a fixed chair against wall bars or held by two partners, with a strap across the hips (4 min).
2. Chest and overhead throws with a light ball, arms only, five tries each (5 min).
3. Same throws adding trunk rotation and flexion, five tries; the observer logs the distance each time (7 min).
4. Grip study: throw holding the chair with the free hand vs. without, and compare (5 min).
5. Analysis: what the trunk adds and why, in the real sport, the chair and straps are part of the rules (4 min).

Rules

• The landing area is empty and coned off; retrieve only on the judge's call.
• Glutes never leave the chair on any throw.
• 1 to 2 kg ball; no heavy balls.
• Two partners hold the chair from the sides, never behind the thrower.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: throws from their own chair, brakes on and strapped, and can advise on how it's secured.
• Student with a shoulder injury: throws with the healthy arm only or is judge and measurer.
• Less fit student: soft rubber ball or a basketball.

Learning goals

• Analyze the force chain in a throw without legs.
• Know the rule adaptations for seated throwing.
• Throw with back-safe technique.

Equipment for a class of 25

• medicine balls: 8
• chairs: 8
• straps: 8
• measuring tape: 2
• cones: 12

Teacher tip

A sturdy classroom chair and a backpack strap work; never chairs on wheels. The usual mistake is leaning back to throw: cue rotation forward and to the side.

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