It is a technique which can lead to an off-balance throw should the
slightest detail be overlooked (Judge 30). There is no set code used in deciding
which technique is best for an athlete. Even top class athletes have their own
styles. For example, Huang Zhihong has a very simple style. The Chinese thrower
has an explosive release which sets her apart from her competitors (Moore, 93).
Although an athlete can bring some individuality to his/her technique, there are
basic components required to throw well. The shot is not actually thrown, but
punched outward. The key is to concentrate on an up-over-out motion throughout
the entire throw. The focus on a linear path ensures that no force will
dissipate in other directions, which would limit an athlete's performance. The
shot should be held deep in the hands, with the thumb and little finger
providing support. The elbow should stay behind the shot at all times to
maximize the effect of the throw. Precise bodymovements, agility, strength,
explosiveness, and coordination mixed with a focus on linear motion can, and
will produce a good throw. Just like the water balloon lab, distance is
maximized when the projectile reaches a 45 degree angle.
Once the shot is air
borne, projectile motion can be applied. Projectile motion refers to the motion
of an object into the air subjected to the downward acceleration of gravity. A
thrown baseball, a driven golf ball, and a shot are all examples of projectile
motion (Giancoli, 39). We regard only its motion after it has been projectedand
is moving freely through the air under the action of gravity which has a
magnitude of 9.8 meters per second. Galileo was the first to accurately describe
projectile motion. He described that it could be understood by analyzing the
horizontal and vertical components of motion separately. Once the shot leaves
the thrower's hand, and is projected at a certain angle, the analysis is
essentially the same. The difference is that now there is an initial vertical
component of velocity. The downward acceleration of gravity continually
decreases until the shot reached the highest point of its path. At that point
the shotpu begins to increase in the downward direction. It can be shown that
the path of the projectile is a parabola.The physics behind the shot put event
has many different aspects which can be investigated. The different techniques,
the angle at which it is thrown, and the motion it follows in the air are
interesting points which deserve further analysis on my part. By understanding
the relationship between a sport and physics, an athlete can improve his or her
performance.
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