Lesson 25: Rotational shot put history and training
In this 3-part lecture series, University of Georgia coach Don Babbitt covers the rotational shot put from A to Z. Starting with a look at historical models of rotational shot put technique used by top Americans, he then looks at methods for training technique and power for the rotational shot put. Having coached such Olympic medalists as Reese Hoffa and Adam Nelson, Babbitt shares insights from his experience working with the world’s best throwers.
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Topics Covered
American rotational shot put history
67 minutes
- Breaking down the technique of Brian Oldfield, Dave Laut, Randy Barnes, John Godina, Adam Nelson, Christian Cantwell, Reese Hoffa, Joe Kovacs, and Ryan Crouser.
Technical development for rotational shot put
79 minutes
- Understanding the role of the power position and differences in the spin vs. glide power position.
- Proper execution of drills (stand throw, half turn drill, step in, South African, 360º drill and full throw) and how they fit in to technical development for different technical styles.
Power development for rotational shot put
77 minutes
- Power demands of the rotational shot put and individual variation
- The power index and other examples of power testing
- Sample exercises for specific strength, sprinting, jumping, and classical lifting
American Rotational Shot Put History
Technical Development For Rotational Shot Put
Power Development For Rotational Shot Put
Additional Resources
HMMR Media Members also have access to over many more resources related to this topic.
- Don Babbitt is currently the associate head coach at the University of Georgia. He has coached Olympians across all four throwing events, including multiple record holders and medalists. You can find his complete biography on the Georgia website.
- In Video Lesson 17 Nick Garcia shares his teaching progressions for rotational throwing.
- Don Babbitt explains how he individualizes training and the spin vs. glide techniques.
- Nick Garcia has also written about finding your technical style and Martin Bingisser has written about the evolution of shot put technique.
- Babbitt was also a guest on HMMR Podcast Episode 116 to discuss throwing in general, and Episode 170 to break down the mechanics at the 2017 World Championships.
- Part 3 references the article “A Longitudinal Examination of the Throwing Career Of Reese Hoffa” that Babbitt and Hoffa wrote for New Studies in Athletics.
- Learn more about specific strength training for throwing from German national coach René Sack in video lesson 16. Nick Garcia and Martin Bingisser provide specific examples from each throwing event in video lesson 9.
