Thrower With the Shoulder Out of View—Indicates Poor Torso Coil

Field Events/Shot Put: Cue for Torso Coil in the Shot Put

Dick Moss, Editor

Torso rotation is a key to generating power in the shot put. And a key for maximizing torso rotation is to keep the body “coiled” as long as possible. This means keeping the torso facing backward as long as possible before forcefully rotating in response to the movement of the hips.

Cue for Monitoring Torso Coil

Better Technique: Shoulder Still in View—Indicates That Torso is Still Coiled

Throwers can easily monitor their “coil” by using the following cue. They should be able to see their left shoulder (for a right-hander) in their peripheral vision throughout the glide.

If they lose sight of the non-throwing shoulder, it indicates that the torso has already partially rotated, reducing its coil.

Reference: From a practice session conducted by Bruce Bourget. Mr. Bourget was a throws coach with Track North Athletic Club, in Sudbury, Ontario.

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