Track & Field – Throwing | Ten (10) Glide Shot Put Coaching Tips

Coaching cues for the glide shot put can be separated into two sections: the back of the circle and the power position/release. With this method, the athlete can have one cue before the throw and one cue during the throw. Overloading the athlete with too much information can result in poor performance.

For most beginning and intermediate throwers, coaches should have one cue to start the throw and one cue during the throw, as the thrower advances their technique, one technical point will be enough.

Starting with proper body alignment and teaching the proper sequence in the back of the circle will help set up a good throw:

Use a simple start with the knees together
Unseat with the hips first, delay the left leg drive
Drive the left leg low and straight to the toe board
Keep the upper body long and loose, use the legs
Keep the shot put down and back as long as possible
As the thrower moves into the power position and prepares for the release, the coach can help the thrower with a few simple cues:

Land on the ball of the right foot in the middle of the circle
Focus on lifting up with the legs and upper body in the middle of the circle
Open the left arm up before the block to slow down the upper body
Drive up with the head and right arm at the finish
Practice reversing properly to stay in the ring