Major question
What are the optimal biomechanical principles for shot
putters to increase the horizontal displacement of the shot?
Introduction
Shot put is a globally recognised power sport that has been
included in every Olympics since 1896 (IAAF, 2015). It is for this very reason
that the sport has become increasingly analysed in terms of what biomechanical
principles must be applied to achieve greater distances. The biomechanical
principles that apply to enhancing the outcome of shot put will be discussed,
in association with the key technical aspects that need to be implemented,
throughout this blog. Firstly, it needs to be noted that although the shot is
'put' and not 'thrown', 'thrown' will be used for the purpose of this blog to
ensure ease of reading. Secondly, two main techniques will be analysed; glide
and rotational. Finally, both techniques will be broken into a sequence of
phases and analysed according to key biomechanical principles and key technical
aspects.
Since the objective of shot put is to quite simply throw the
shot as far as possible, it is important that all of the phases and technical
aspects provide the optimal movements which will aid in this objective.The break down of the shot put techniques are as follows
(Young, 2007):
Phase 2: Flight – the moment when the athlete enters
a period where they are not in contact with the throwing surface.
Phase 3: Rear foot touchdown (RFTD) - the moment when
the throwing-side foot makes contact with the throwing surface after the flight
phase.
Phase 4: Transition – the moment when the athlete is
transitioning from RFTD to FFTD.
Phase 5: Front foot touchdown (FFTD) – the moment
when the non-throwing-side foot makes contact with the throwing surface.
Phase 6: Completion – the moment where the athlete
is transitioning to releasing.
Phase 7: Release - the moment when the shot leaves the
athlete’s hand.
References:
International Association of Athletics Federations - IAAF. (2015). Shot put. Retrieved from http://www.iaaf.org/disciplines/throws/shot-put#topfive=0
Young, M. (2007). 2007 critical factors research update for the rotational shot put. Retrieved from https://www.usatf.org/groups/Coaches/library/2007/Throws%20Training/2007_Critical_Factors_for_SP.pdf
