Field Events: Work Backwards for a Better Understanding of Technique

Glenn McAtee, Contributor

Coaches often reach a point where their athletes are not improving in their technical development. There are many reasons why this could happen, but one of the most common, and most frustrating for the coach, occurs when the thrower's technical stagnation is due to an improper understanding of technique.

One way to break up this improvement plateau involves getting athletes to take a new approach on how they think about the throw.

A Backwards Approach

In my throws coaching, I‘ve been successful with having athletes work from end to beginning. That is, from the release back to the start, executing the movement backwards. The most effective method is for the coach to ask the athlete to perform the movement in reverse, then let him work on it without feedback.

The result can be frustration on the part of the athlete, but it most often results in a better understanding of the throwing movement because of the precise thinking required to complete the task.

This approach is a bit unorthodox, but it can be an effective way to produce a better understanding of the event.

Performing Throws Backwards Will Give Athletes a Better Understanding of Correct Technique
Performing Throws Backwards Will Give Athletes a Better Understanding of Correct Technique

Contributor: Glenn McAtee was a former Canadian national team member and Canadian national bronze medalist in the hammer throw.

© 2022, Physical Education Update.com, www.peUpdate.com

Printer-Friendly Format