Explosion from the Shoulders

So this season I've decided to throw a lot of focus on the stones. I'm working hard at strenthening my chest and shoulders but I feel like I'm lacking in that quick snap explosion to finish off the throw. Does anyone have any excercises or drill to help develop that? I haven't had experience throwing in college so I have no idea where to start in regards to shot specific workouts.

I feel that often what gives the athlete the feeling of a "snappy" or explosive finish in the stones is in reality the culmination of forces that begin with pushing and lifting the hip in front of the shoulder. By doing this you actually pull the shoulder into the throw instead of pushing it, so that the speed with which the implement comes out is faster than a regular pushing type of delivery.

Along with all that, power cleans really make your hips pop

I'll have to give the J drill a shot. I've also been keeping up with some plyometric work. I know the throw originates from the hips and legs but I have yet to connect it with the upper body.

I was just referencing the arm strike, shot in line with the elbow, in line for a long application of force with an aggressive snap of the wrist, finger follow through outward, thumb down = j release.

To the ? Above all it's mechanics. I'm all about the power clean when it comes to pushing the stone up and out. Everyone looks at the arm strike. Every time I threw against Michael Carter it was hip speed and mass. It's your center that driving you across (glide/rotation ) so as noted get your power clean/ pulls all positions slow medium fast but mostly med-fast. Second step ups and lunges/lateral and reverse. Lunges =drive you. Steps ups =lift you. When you throw the stone and Wts you drive and lift/post. Just trying to redirect some of that big bench energy down to where it counts. Train below the chest to above the knee 360 and that stone will fly.

Thanks Myles !

Part 2 responding to the question: bench throws on the smith, bounce bench and alt Db press would be my top three for specific arm strike. Did them they help. Think a variety of plyo push up, cross chain pushups, push ups on med ball stability ball would round it out. I have my younger HS kids doing these.

In my opinion, to get the snap that you're looking for, your technique in the stones is the only thing that is gonna give you that. Getting a big push press or power clean or whatever else in the gym will help, but if you've got bad form, its not happening. I've found that the biggest thing for hitting a big snapping finish is to stay as wrapped as you can. Leave your upper body as far behind as you can and let your feet, knees and hips get ahead, in that order. If you hit it right, you'll be completely torqued at the power position, and everything will be ready to just unwind. I know I've hit a good throw when it feels like the shot put or stone wasn't even there. Hope that makes sense.

I like it Don. Done