Influence of thorax-pelvis separation on four turn hammer throw performance

Hammer throw is an athletic throw discipline where performance is measured by distance thrown. Due to its projectile nature, hammer speed at release has the greatest influence on distance thrown. It has been suggested within coaching literature that thorax movement strongly influences the development of speed within the throw [1]. Angle between thorax and pelvis (thorax-pelvis separation angle) has been previously used to describe thorax motion in the hammer throw. It is recommended thorax-pelvis separation angle should increase during the single support phase of each turn and decrease during double support [1,2]. Quantitative assessment of the impact of this coaching recommendation on performance has not been undertaken. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of thorax-pelvis separation on performance. Specifically, the impact of reducing separation angle during double support. Behavior during double support was focused on as throwers are at their most stable during this time and probably capable of making technique adjustments if found to be beneficial.