Everything Track and Field Discussion Forums

I am a high school senior and I usually throw around 47' with half power, but when I put in 100% power I always step out the front of the ring, but the shot goes over 50'. My coach does not know what I can do to use full power and stay in the ring. I would be willing to try anything to stay in the ring.

Do you typically foul over the toeboard or off to one side of it?

If you're going over the toeboard in the direction of your throw, then your followthrough is just carrying you too far. Make sure you reverse at the front of the ring at release. After the shot leaves your fingers, bring your throwing arm down and back across your body toward the center of the ring to move your center of gravity in that direction. It will take some practice, but you will get it eventually.

If you foul off to the side of the toeboard (usually spinners) then your finishing in the wrong location within the ring. You should spin so you finish near the center of the toeboard and not out near the end. Could be caused by improper alignment of improper balance.

RR

I'm sure many shot putters experience the same limitations seeing as though they have a fear of fouling out. It's all a matter of practice and being able to use the form your most comfortable with and trying new things to bring out the fullness of your power. It's not always as easy as some think it is because it requires persistence and trial and error.

Thank you for you advice. I do foul out the front of the ring. I will work on bringing my arm down to see if it helps.

Have you filmed yourself fouling at full power so you can really analyze what you're doing incorrectly??

I find I really can't tell EXACTLY what's wrong with my technique until I watch it on the TV screen.

This is an easy fix. I had trouble with this last season. When you finish a throw, you should be pushing your body up through your legs. This is why you see throwers come off the ground in their finish because they are not moving out but up. Leg your upper body push the shot put out, and your lower body push the shot put up. Practice this and block hard with your left arm, it should help you out.

Another point of view: If your problem is falling out the front you can relax. This can be a tool you use that promotes you to use 100% of effort and the release moment. A way to think about the reverse is to flick-and-look which means the moment the fingers flick the shot turn your eyes away and toward the back of the ring. Tell yourself "not to look" and hope for the best mark. Most throwers foul due to the desire to hit as much of the fingertips as possible. Be as far as possible PAST the toeboard and throw yourself back into the ring.