Biomechanics of the Heavy Throws

1. LCDP – Mark Chapman

2. Distance = sum of
1) horizontal distance that shot is in front of
board at release,
and
2)
horizontal distance it travels in the air

3. 1)
2)
(17cm men; 11cm women – 1987 world’s)
governed by body position at release
Governed by the speed, angle and height
at which shot is released

4. Most important?
Speed of release
Angle of release
Height of release

5. Speed of release – determined by magnitude
and forces applied to shot and distances over
which these forces act
Angle of release – fixed by
magnitude, direction and distance of forces.
Optimum angle is always less than 45◦.
Height of release – governed by athlete’s body
position.

6. Distance
Distance prior to
Release
Distance after Release
Height of
Release
Position
Speed of
Release
Forces Exerted
Angle of
Release
Distance
Air
Resistance

7. Techniques used are all about trying to increase
the speed of release
O’Brian (1950’s) – linear or glide technique
Rotational technique
Initial position very different, final position very
similar

8. Speed of left foot touchdown very important
Time between right foot landing in middle of
circle and left foot touchdown is
0.10-0.15secs for elite

9. Reverse – why do it?
Length of applied force
Difference between two techniques – rotational
in a better delivery position

10. Distance determined by speed, height and
angle of release
+
Aerodynamic factors that influence flight
Speed and angle of release determined by
magnitude and direction of forces exerted on
implement, and distance over which these
forces are applied

11. Height of release governed by athlete’s body
position
Height of release of minor importance
compared to speed and angle of release
Discus in flight subjected to forces exerted by
air
Can have significant effect on distance

12. Magnitude of forces exerted by air governed by
Speed of release
Angle of release
Best between 35-40◦ for 45-60m thrower
Angle of attack could be a possible problem
especially with young athletes

13. Distance
Height of Release
Aerodynamic factors
Position
Attitude
angle
Speed of
release
Forces Exerted
Angle of
Release
Distance
Wind
velocity
Angular
velocity of
implement

14. Distance governed by
Speed, height and angle of release
Speed of release is determined by throwers
ability to repeatedly get “ahead” of the
hammer into positions where they can exert
forces to increase speed of hammer.

15. You can only apply force to the Hammer, with both feet
on the ground.
Appreciable force and acceleration can only be applied
when the Hammer head is travelling downhill. i.e. high
to low point.
In the turns, the Hammer and arms are held out straight
in front of the chest, they do not deviate from there, to
maintain maximum radius.
In the turns, the feet are always pointing in the same
direction.