Stone Putting: Full Spin vs. S. African

Greg Hadley wrote: Most common arguement I've heard deals with unpredictable field conditions. Rain, long grass, short grass, etc, can mess with footwork. I've also heard that irregular shaped stones can be hard to full-rotate with. I think the South African is the more consistent technique. Although, Scott and Petur are consistently awesome in the OS so who knows.

+1

There is no doubt that the South African style is more consistant because it has less variables and is more linear.  The full spin definitely has more upside for those who have mastered it, but one's average throw may well be shorter under less than optimal conditions.

I experienced this myself back in 2007 at the World Amatuer Championships.  The field had only been planted a few weeks before and there was no root system at all and it had also rained for the entire week previously, so it was basically a thin layer of grass with greasy mud underneath.  This resulted in footing problems (for me, anyway) coming out of the back using the full spin.  On my last thow I switched to the South African style, just to get in a half decent throw. 

I am sure there are many, many similar examples, especially for those who have not truly mastered the full spin and are often just slightly off-balance or a bit too fast coming out of the back using that technique.

My understanding is that the South African drill was named after John van Reenen, the South African discus thrower who held the WR for a while in the 70's.  Can't remember where I heard this but perhaps it's true.

As for the SA vs. full spin debate, I am also entirely uncomfortable trying to throw the stone out of the SA position.  I have tried this multiple times in practice but simply can't "drop in" to the middle and turn my left foot (I am a lefty).  More importantly, my style of throwing requires a strong drive off the right foot out of the back of the circle to create a large stretch reflex and therefore torque.  Consequently, I often land with a very narrow base but this is just a personal technical flaw that I have learned to deal with and can usually get away with.  I can't get this drive or separation with the SA whatsoever.

Grass conditions and traction are obviously an issue and full spinners who rely on a strong drive out of the back can be really hampered by wet conditions.  I've found that if a right handed thrower really pre-loads the left foot out of the back while unseating over the left knee, he/she can typically cope with most grass conditions.

I am not a massive stone putter but these are just my thoughts on an event that I have switched styles in a bit over the years. 

Captain Slow wrote: I full spin mainly due to my throwing in normal athletics and as a result I know the feeling I am looking for in the throw. The South african does have the advantage in that it provides better stability in dodgy farmers fields but you would need to work mostly on that version of the technique. Do my spin in spikes mainly but starting to throw with one spike and one throwing shoe in dry ground. Have tried using Football (soccer) boots but find they hold the feet in the ground and therefore for me not very useful for the full spin.

Have you ever tried openening your right foot off the back? if not give it a shot with a football clete on your right if you can get your left around you can generate alotta force off the back........Mr. spencer tyler showed me that

GOOD Topic...Ken Lowther (who a lot of you know) decided to go with the glide even though he was probably able to throw farther off a good surface with the spin or modified SA.

A) Where is YOUR biggest comp of the year held     and what are the surface conditions ?  Pleasanton =dry, hard and fast,  Celtic= possibility of rain...thick grass.  Bramaer ALL of the above at Celtic plus jet lag and possible COLD weather.   

B) You should get 2 out of 3 throws within 90-95 % of your PR in practice.

C)  Gide = most consistent  South African- easier too HOLD big stones and much more linear.   

RESULTS are the bottom line.  Good luck too all in your journey !!!

will barron wrote: Dave pointed out to me the "heel spin" out of the back that Reese Hoffa does and oh my god. After toe spinning the shot put all through college and in the stone putt when I've tried the full spin, the technique with the heel turn is awesome.

What is this heel spin you talk of. Are you saying you spin on your left heel out of the back rather than the toe? (for a right hand thrower) I'm misssing half of my right pec so I'm still trying to figure out what works the best for me. I throw mostly with my legs but I need to maximize it since I don't have the arm punch at the end.  Stone is the only event it really effects.

Mr. Natural wrote: It's originally courtesy of his Hamishness Sir Davidson.

Actually Id give credit too Ilke Wyluda (Womans WR holder in the discus) on this one.  Perhaps the best MAN for the job is a WOMAN ...?

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3cgio_athle-championnats-d u-monde-disque

Make a NOTE of the left foot action out of the back,