Coach ,

Rotational shot put is all the buzz over the last decade. Athletes like Adam Nelson, Christian Cantwell, and Reece Hoffa transformed our understanding and appreciation for the rotational technique. The men’s event has seen nearly every glide athlete eradicated on the world stage. 

The women have held strong with the glide technique for decades with champions like Valarie Adams, Michelle Carter, and Gong Lijiao. It had been a long time since the world championships had a female rotational shot put champion. Chase Ealey of the United States and former glider took the world by storm and confirmed the rotational technique supreme.

It’s certainly of note that the development of the glide technique in almost every rotational athlete has a significance toward their base of support and arm strike while utilizing a rotational technique. Some of the best throws of all time have come from men’s and women’s gliders. Athletes such as Ulf Timmerman, Werner Günthör, Udo Beyer still hold performances in the all-time top 10. Maybe we shouldn’t give up teaching gliding, especially at the developmental levels. 

The power position was a major emphasis during our training this week. It's a commonality of both glide and rotation athletes. There are two ways to throw a shot in the glide position. You can lift and rotate or you can rotate or lift. Watch this example from German coach René Sack and decide which is a better description of what happens when the left foot touches down. 

Link: 2nd Phase

In the next clip Wilko Schaa the coach of Olympic Champion David Storl describes the key components of the power position and delivery of the implement in greater detail. As you watch think about the actions of the thrower during the final phases prior to delivering the implement. 

Link: Power Position

Coaches can use specific strength exercise to work on the delivery position without over complicating the biomechanics. The vertical lifting action of the throw is one that can be developed and supported by things we do in the weightroom. Coach Sack explains how using these exercises can produce personal best results. 

Link: Lifting Drill 

The similarities of glide and rotational shot put athletes at left foot touchdown are evident. When we use commonalities in throwing events we begin to appreciate the possibilities and connections. Both techniques are valid and have produced olympic champions and historic performances. It’s too early to crown one technique supreme!

Always be growing,

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