A259: Kinematic Characteristics of a Novel Glide-Step and Rotational Delivery Technique in Shot Put

Abstract

The shot put is a technically demanding track and field event requiring strength and coordination. This study introduces a novel technique combining the glide-step with rotational delivery, aiming to enhance throwing performance. While traditional glide and rotation techniques have been well-studied, the kinematic characteristics of this hybrid approach remain unexplored. This preliminary study analyzed the kinematic features of elite athletes using this technique via 2D video analysis. Three national-level shot put athletes were recruited. Each performed three throws using a standard shot in a regulated throwing circle, with the best attempt selected for analysis. 2D video analysis was conducted using Kinovea software, and non-parametric statistical tests were applied using SPSS Statistics 26.0. Key metrics included shot release velocity, joint angles, core of mass (COM) displacement, glide-step speed, and overall throwing performance. The analysis revealed key kinematic characteristics of the glide-step and rotational delivery technique. In the release phase, the average shot release velocity was 12.01 ± 0.38 m/s (peak: 13.25 ± 1.27 m/s), the average release height was 209.26 ± 10.83 cm, and the mean initiation-to-release time was 0.80 ± 0.04 s. Joint angles included the right knee ranging from 97.67 ± 4.51° to 146.67 ± 5.51°, right hip from 113.00 ± 19.08° to 147.00 ± 5.20°, thigh from 44.33 ± 19.66° to 104.67 ± 8.15°, and right arm from 68.33 ± 19.86° to 94.00 ± 6.00°. COM displacement ranged from 105.54 ± 22.09 cm to 152.09 ± 7.13 cm, with the support leg-trunk angle from 153.00 ± 6.08° to 172.33 ± 5.77° and right foot angle from 94.67 ± 1.15° to 134.00 ± 13.12°. Glide-step speeds ranged from 1.45 ± 0.16 m/s to 3.87 ± 0.07 m/s. This preliminary study explored the kinematic characteristics of a novel glide-step and rotational delivery technique in three elite shot putters using 2D video analysis. The findings suggest that this technique enables high release velocities and a rapid transition from glide-step to release, with glide-step speed and joint coordination potentially enhancing momentum. Variations in COM height and support leg-trunk angles indicate stability during the throw. Given the small sample size, these results are exploratory and require further validation with larger cohorts. Nonetheless, they offer initial insights into refining this technique for training purposes