Coaching the Rotational Shot PutDave Hahn – UW-Whitewaterwww.CoachTheThrows.com

Who Should Rotate?

• Why not have all athletes try it out?• Good discus throwers may want to avoid• Athletes who lack brute strength or

explosiveness

The Basics

• Start from power position and work backward• For all practical purposes, the grip and power

position can be taught the same for both glide and spin– Shot placement may differ

The Progression

• Power Throw• Wheel• Walking Throw• Full Throw

Power Position

• Emphasize turning the foot and knee into the throwing direction

• Block with left side• Wrist Flick

Wheel

• Tight knees through the middle• Straight line with left foot• Turn through single support• Knee over toe outside of right foot• Land with open left foot

Walking Throw

• Establish stationary positions, developing mental model for the throw

• Left knee down at 90• Left foot does not rotate beyond right sector

line• Sweep with inside of foot• See the throwing direction

Full Throw

• Around the left shoulder• Sweep foot stays low with toe up• Chin stays neutral• Long left arm• Left heel should touch in power position

Entry Drills

• Pirouettes• Left heel• 5 gallon bucket drill

Middle Drills

• Wheel• Wheel with hands on knees• Drop ins

Power Throw Drills

• Foot on box• Dumbbell throws• Belt pulls

Movement Drills

• 2 turn and throw• Walking throws• Close left side of circle

Common Problems

• Diving to the middle• Leading with left shoulder• Landing high in middle• Pulling with left side