Developing a Swing Arm Trainer to Support Discus Throw Skill Acquisition in Schools With Limited Sports Facilities
Published:
2026-09-14Abstract
Teaching track and field events like the discus throw is often difficult, especially when schools lack proper facilities and teachers are forced to rely mostly on verbal instructions. To address this gap, this study focuses on developing a "swing trainer"—a mechanical training aid designed to help students learn the basics of the discus throw even in schools with limited sports infrastructure. We used a Research and Development (R&D) approach based on the 4D model, conducting the research over a 13-month period through three main phases: needs analysis, product design, and product testing. The final prototype features a 180 cm circular swing plane attached to an adjustable support frame. We based the design on biomechanical principles so that it accurately mimics the ideal arm trajectory during a throw. When we tested the device at SMAN 4 Surakarta, the trials showed that it works very well as a physical guide for motor learning. By restricting the arm's path, it helps students repeat the correct movement until it becomes natural. The results highlighted a significant jump in the students' technical skills, with their average scores rising from 73 in the pre-test to 88.25 in the post-test. Additionally, usability and functionality assessments gave the device a "Highly Feasible" rating (averaging 88.5%). Ultimately, the swing trainer proved to be a practical and affordable tool that allows students to safely practice and master the fundamental movements of the discus throw, even when training space is highly restricted.
Keywords:
swing trainer Discus throw Physical education Motor learning Sports training aids Limited facilities BiomechanicsReferences
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tegar Bhakti Sandiyudha, Sapta Kunta Purnama, Slamet Riyadi
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