Coaching and Care of Athletes

THE SHOT PUT finally, to co-ordinate the values of the shift, the rotation of the hips, and the delivery in their proper proportions. The shot-putter's style should be subject to constant analysis, and much of his work must be done at V(;l.rying efforts. Here are some effort values for various classes of shot-putters. Full tables of effort will be found in my Athletic Training for Men and Boys. AVERAGE BEST THREE-Q.UARTER HALF QuARTER EFFORT PERFORMANCE EFFORT EFFORT 50ft. o ins. 47ft. 6 ins. 45ft. o ins. 30 ft. o ins. to 35 ft. o ins. 45 " 0 " 42 " 9 " 40 " 6 " 27 " 0 " " 3! " 6 " 40 " 0 " 38 " 0 " 36 " 0 " 24 " 0 " " 28 " 0 " 37 " 0 " 35 " 2 " 33 " 3 " 22 " 2 " " 26 " 0 " 35 " 0 " 33 " 3 " 31 " 6 " 2! " 0 " " 24 " 6 " 32 " 0 " 30 " 5 " 28 " 6 " rg , 2 " " 22 " 6 " Running, sprinting, skipping, hopping on alternate feet, and high jumping, even at the lowest heights, are practices which should be included in the shot-putter's schedule of training. In~ coaching shot-putters, analysing their form, and correcting their mistakes there are quite a number of easily committed faults to detect for which the coach must keep his eyes wide open. As -I have said in previous chapters, go for the major fault first, and correct smaller mistakes subsequently. I think one should work from the shot itself, in primary analysis, for the detection of avoidable errors. The big issue, so far as the I 6-lb. missile is concerned, turns upon the question," Is the forward progress of the shot checked or the speed at which it is moving decreased after its inertia has been overcome?" Many athletes regard the shot as a dead weight during the shift. Make them realize that directly they move the shot also is moving, and that the shift, leg-drive, rotation of the hips, and final arm-drive are all contributory factors in the constant accelera– tion .of the shot itself from the back to the front of the circle, where it is put into flight. From the very beginning the athlete may deprive himself of power by holding the shot incorrectly. It should not be gripped, but cradled easily in the hand. If it is too low down in the palm the power of the wrist and fingers will be lessened. If it is too high up towards the finger-tips the fingers may give way beneath the weight. With most men the strong point of propulsion lies at 4 1 3