Article

Shot Put Technique - An Overview

Topic: SportsPublished February 22, 2011

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A term that describes both a competition held and piece of equipment used during the event is called as shot put and it looks like a heavy metal ball. The shot put events are conducted as a track and field games and in this competition, the person who throws the ball farthest than other competitors is called as winner. This track and field event requires some excellent strength, body mechanics and proper shot put techniques. This game was played from ancient times and now redefined with many skills. There may be many techniques available, but let us see few of them so that the modern athletes could be benefited. Here are some methodologies that are recommended for athletes in this game.

Generally, this shot (the heavy ball used in the game) is held in the base of the fingers, without touching the palm, and placed under the chin against the putter's neck. Hold your shot in the throwing hand and let it to rest in your hand exactly where the fingers connect to the palm of your hand. Don’t ever follow poor techniques such as holding the grip of the shot as if it is a softball and hold it with the fingers together and use thumb for support in holding the shot. When you prepare to throw the shot, hold it unde
eath the jaw about one inch in front of the ear and press the shot against your neck for your support. Most of the throwing trainers suggest that the hand that throws the shot should be kept behind the shot and not unde
eath it. When throwing the shots, keep this point in your mind that the throw should be first initiated by the leg and then, followed by trunk and throwing shoulder.
Your first movement should be the upward extension of the right leg and next, rotate the upper body to square up the chest towards the throwing sector. It is a general fact that when the shot is thrown from the right hand, the elbow that is opposite pulls back towards the left hip and keeps the body and shoulders as square. The athletes would be very familiar with this term called the ‘gliding technique’. In this technique, the thrower kicks one leg backward towards the throwing area and tries to shift the weight towards the front of the circle. This technique is easier to learn and the coach teaches this shot put technique to the new throwers because they can easily learn it. To get a major competitive edge, excellent gliding techniques are essential and in this technique, hold the shot in the right hand under your chin and your right foot should be pointed in the opposite direction of the shot put course.

How you use your body in the air while rotating the body is essential and rotate your body nicely to push the shot put as far as possible. Sometimes you can also swing your arm to make your throw to reach far. Use these proper techniques and become a master of shot put event.

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About the Author

Webmaster is the copyrighter of Track n Field Gear which contains the Athletic Equipments like Starting blocks, Hurdles, Fitness products, Discus Throws, Shot Put, Kettlebells.

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