Shot Put: Which Role for Kinematic Analysis?

Simone Ciacci,Matteo Cortesi,Giacomo Drusiani,Gabriele Semprini,Sandro Bartolomei,Franco Merni

doi:10.3390/app12031699

Abstract

Background: To understand the technical differences between shot putters of different ages, this study compared biomechanical parameters of the best senior and youth Italian athletes and then to world-class athletes (WC) assessed in previous investigations. Methods: The best throws of 16 shot putters [8 Senior (SG) and 8 Youth (YG)] were recorded by video cameras during the Italian Championships’ final and considered for 3D reconstruction. The following parameters were measured: time of the different throwing phases, shot trajectory, release angle, release velocity, and the force produced in the final phase. Results: Significant differences between SG and YG were detected in second single support time (p = 0.015), support time (p = 0.007), total time (p = 0.028) and in the force produced during the final phase (p < 0.001). A lower level of force, release speed, and a shorter shot trajectory during the double support were detected in SG compared to WC. Conclusions: The present study showed that, although the technical performance of all athletes was similar, some differences exist between YG and SG. The gap between the groups may be partially explained by the difference in force produced in the final phase of the throw and by a different interpretation of the technique.

Highlights

Shot put is one of the most popular events of track and field and requires a perfect set of strength, speed, and technical abilities
Athletes analyzed in the present study were the eight best young and senior shot putters that competed in the final phase of the Italian championship after a qualifying round consisting of three throws
Since the shot put technique develops over the three planes of space, the authors used a third camera to provide an additional useful data set for the direct linear transformation (DLT) method and to improve the accuracy of the 3D reconstructions with the SIMI motion system

Summary

Introduction

Shot put is one of the most popular events of track and field and requires a perfect set of strength, speed, and technical abilities. A perfect technical sequence of body movements is essential for the specific performance. The technique of shot put includes different movements performed at high speed and in a limited space [10] and represents one of the most complex specialties of athletics. The sequence of these movements can be performed using two different techniques: the glide (GLI) and the rotational (ROT) technique. Previous studies compared these shot techniques and many similarities between them were found [10,11]. The final phase of both techniques is characterized by similar biomechanical parameters [10] while the initial phases of the throw present many differences between the two techniques [10,12,13]

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Conclusion