Technique is very important for success in the shot put. Getting the athletes into proper positions and helping them correct their errors is the role of the throws coach. One common error in the glide technique is that often times the athlete will open their left side prematurely (for right-handed throwers) as they move across the circle.  This is usually caused by a lack of flexibility in the torso or tightness between the shoulder blades or lower back.

In the video clip below, nationally recognized throwing coach Larry Judge shows you two variations of a common shot put training drill used to help train throwers to not open their left side too early.

The YouTube video below has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site. Some schools block access to the site.

First Variation of Partner Glide Drill

In this drill, the athlete will grasp one end of a bungee cord or resistance band with their non-throwing hand, and their partner will grasp the other end. As the athlete glides across the circle, the partner will move with them, providing a small amount of resistance and reminding them to stay closed as they move forward across the ring and into the power position.

Second Variation of Partner Glide Drill

After mastering the first variation, you can progress to the second variation. In this drill, the athlete will simply grasp the arm of his/her partner. The partner will then move with the athlete; he/she glides across the ring. This will provide a greater degree of tension in the non-throwing arm and help to prevent opening up too soon. It is important for the partner to walk with the athlete as they move across the ring.

 

 
There are several components to teaching the Pole Vault.

In the video clips below Jeff Martin, Indiana State University Assistant Track & Field Coach, demonstrates three different drills to help teach the proper running form and approach for your pole vaulters.

The clips are from an instructional DVD in which he shows you 40 different drills that he uses to teach the 10 essential components of pole vaulting.

The drills will cover the following components: Grip, Pole Carry, Approach, Plant, Takeoff, Swing, Pull and Turn, Push-Off, Safety in Pole Vaulting, and When to Teach the Pole Bend.

The YouTube videos have sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site. Some schools block access to YouTube

The following is a quick summary of the three drills with key coaching points:

Drill 1 – Mini-Hurdles Running form

Place 8 mini-hurdles 4-5 ft apart. Have the athletes run over the hurdles placing two feet between each hurdle. The athletes should run in a tall upright position with quick foot contact. The shoulders and hips should be square. The knees are lifted high and the foot strikes the ground directly below the knee.

Drill 2 – Mini-Hurdles with Stubby Pole

The set-up is the same as drill one. The only difference is now you have your athletes carry a short pole. This is a great use for the broken poles that you likely have around. This helps to teach proper running form while having to hold the pole.

Drill 3 – Slow to Fast Drill

This drill is designed to help the athletes learn a smooth slow to fast transition on their approach. Five cones are placed in a line. The distance between each cone will depend on your athlete’s ability. They might be just 3-4 strides apart. Again it varies depending on the athlete. While holding their pole (full size), the athlete will use ankle steps between the first two hurdles and then transition to high knees between cones two and three. Between cones three and four they transition to a jog. After passing the fourth cone the finish the drill with a run to the final cone. The athletes should use proper grip and run tall with chest up and shoulders back.

 
There are many components to teaching the high jump.

Coaches must teach athletes the proper approach, how to run the curve, how to plant and take off, and finally the proper mechanics at the top of the bar.

In the clip below, Jeremy Fischer demonstrates 5 drills that will help your high jumpers improve their technique at the top of the bar.

Coach Fischer’s drills will improve back arch, core strength, and being patient over the bar.

The YouTube video below has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site (some schools block access to YouTube)

Drill Summary: There are five drills in this video.

1. Leg Press – Lay down with your back on the mat and the soles of your feet flat on the mat as well. Press up into a hold position and stay there for 2-3 seconds.

2. Back Press – Get in the same position as the Leg Press, but put your hands next to your ears and push up with them while pushing up with your hips. Hold for 2-3 seconds and do 2-3 reps.

3. Press, Jack Knife – From the hold position in the Back Press, jack knife into the mat. This exercise gets jumpers used to a falling feeling.

4. Back Overs Onto Mat – Stand on the ground with your back facing the mat. Jump back onto the mat, arching your back, then lay there after landing for a couple seconds.

5. Rock Backs Into Arch Position – Lay on the side of the mat with your upper body hanging off. Rock back with the assistance of a coach and hold that position for 2-3 seconds.

Teaching the shot put can be difficult. Grip, position on the neck and proper release are all important. You have to teach the block, the arm strike and how to get into the power position. In addition, you will have to teach either the fundamentals of the Rotational or Glide Technique.

In the video clip below nationally recognized throwing coach Larry Judge, demonstrates how to teach the proper grip and neck position. The clip is from a comprehensive DVD that contains 20 separate lessons that cover every aspect of teaching and coaching the shot put. For more information about the DVD that this clip came from click the link Curriculum Guide to the Shot Put

The YouTube video has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site. (Some schools block access to YouTube)

When gripping the implement the athlete should rest the shot on the base of the middle three fingers. It should not be in the palm of the hand or on the finger tips. It will be released with the middle three fingers. The thumb and little finger are utilized for control.

The placement on the neck should first and foremost be determined by the athletes comfort level. THe athlete must use a placement that is comfortable to them. Their comfort level is usually determined by the flexibility of the triceps, forearm and wrist. Generally speaking athletes that use the Glide technique usually place the implement at a lower position under the chin. Those that use the Rotational technique usually place the implement higher on the neck closer to the ear.

Either way the shot must start on the neck. The forearm should be pointing towards the sector and not resting n the clavicle. As the throw begins, the shot it will come off the neck and rest above the deltoid.

The triple jump is a very technical event. Speed and power are essential components, but to be a championship jumper athletes must have the proper technique. In the video clip below Ken Brauman, Seminole (FL) High School Track & Field Coach and 10x Florida Track & Field Coach of the Year,demonstrates a drill progression that he uses to train his triple jumpers.

This video clip is from a DVD designed to help high school coaches teach and train horizontal jumpers. The DVD includes information regarding his year round training program, a strength and power training program as well as drills to teach the proper technique of both the long jump and triple jump. For more information about the DVD click the link High School Coach’s Blueprint for Success: Horizontal Jumps

The YouTube video below has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site. Some schools block access to YouTube. If you are viewing in a school setting and having trouble, please contact your network administrator.

The drill progression begins with the Standing Triple Jump. In this drill you will need to space out three cones on the runway in front of the pit. The distance between the cones depends on the ability of your athlete. Simply adjust the interval until you have it right for each athlete.

Begin by having the athlete stand on their dominant leg with the other leg up. The drill begins by having the athlete hop on their dominant leg. You want the athlete to concentrate on the cycling action of their hopping leg. They will hop to the second cone and strike the runway with a flat foot. Next they should drive their opposite leg up. Their thigh should be parallel with the runway. Toes should be up and the ankle should be cocked behind the knee as the explode their step to the next cone. At the third cone they will land on their opposite foot and the jump into the pit.

Once the Standing Triple Jump is mastered, have the runner start at the first cone. With his back to the pit, have him run three strides away from the cone. Mark the spot. The athlete will now begin the Three Step Approach Triple Jump drill. Starting at the spot you marked they will run to the first cone and the complete the hop-step-jump sequence emphasizing the same fundamentals.

As your athlete gains strength, move them back progressively to a 5, 7, 9 or 11 step approach. It is important to not move them back until they are strong enough. Use the shorter approaches, if they cannot execute the fundamentals at the greater speeds. You should not have them running so fast that they cannot execute the fundamentals.