Teaching the Shot Put
Reprinted from:
Trackcoach.com
1. Holding the Shot:
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Place the shot on the base of the three longest
fingers. Spread the fingers slightly.
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Place the shot firmly against the neck and slightly
under the chin.
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The elbow should be pointing outwards with the arm
at a 45-degree angle to the body.
2. The athlete then puts both feet
against the toeboard-shoulder width apart and puts using only the
arm. Mark the distance.
3. The same stance as #2 above, but now
add a trunk twist. Mark the distance.
4. The same as #3 above, but bend the
knees, stand up fast, unwind and throw. Mark the
distance.
5. Feet parallel to throwing direction
with the left toe in line with right heel. The feet
are pointed 90 degrees away from the direction of the throw.
Assume power position (as discussed in shot put technique) and
throw!
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Movement is initiated nearly simultaneously by the
right leg and trunk.
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The left leg must provide firm resistance by staying
in contact with the ground. The thrower should feel as
"tall" as possible as he or she comes up and over the front
leg.
6. The next step is teaching the glide
across the circle. The purpose of the glide is to
arrive in an efficient power position from which the putter can
achieve maximum release velocity.
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The "O'Brien Shift":
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The athlete stands at the back of the circle with
the weight on the right foot.
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From this position, the putter drops down on a
bent right leg until the back is horizontal.
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The athlete next extends the left leg and foot to
the toeboard - keeping it close to the ground - and drives off
the right leg.
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The right foot and hips are turned as the athlete
is driving across the circle.
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The athlete lands in a "X" position:
shoulders closed and back with the hips open or to the side.
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The right foot lands in the center of the circle
with the left foot offset near the
toeboard.
Source: USA Track & Field Level 1
Curriculum
