Coach ,

It's a great coaches debate: Should you spin or glide in the shot put?

As you know, Gliders find an advantage when the power position is emphasized, allowing them to consistently throw in a straight line. 

Spin/Rotational shot put throwers, then spin involves a slightly more complex movement around the circle. ... Although the spin method requires more movement, it generates more force behind the shot, if executed properly.

The debate between the effectiveness of the glide versus the spin or rotational technique is an age-old one. Some people have issues with the entry portion to the point that it saves time to teach them the spin because most first-year throwers are learning discus as well so you train the same footwork and save time.

The spin for most takes a bit longer to learn, which requires patience, but the end result is much better because kids that do multiple sports and are very athletic pick up the basics pretty fast.

Both methods produce positive results. It comes down to what technique fits your kids best. 

The debate will continue, but here's an overview and coaching points on the glide and spin technique from some of the best in the world.

1. Mastering the Spin

Vésteinn Hafsteinsson was a full-time discus thrower from 1986-1996. He took part in five World Championships, two European Championships and four Olympic Games. Currently, he is an international throwing coach coaching many of the world's top throwers. He talks about the spin here:

(click on image for video)

2. Perfecting the Glide 

René Sack has been the German national coach for the women’s discus since 2016. Prior to that, he was also the national junior coach for the discus throw and hammer throw.

He breaks down the technique in easy-to-follow positions and movements. He also shows you video footage of multiple drills to follow to help master these positions & movements.  

This is valuable for both the beginner and advanced glide shot putter.

(click on image for video)

 Elite putters have used both the glide and the spin methods to secure state championships as well as Olympic gold.

The goal is not to be right in this debate, but rather to find what technique works best for your throwers. There is no end-all-be-all for shot put methods. 

Keep perfecting your craft, 

The CoachesClinic Community of Coaches Helping Coaches