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 1: Pre-flight - all the movements conducted before the moment of take-off.

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