Program

European Shot Put Conference 2024. This is an event focused on shot put and we will have the best experts and lecturers from all over the world to cover this topic. The program involves a combination of lecture sessions and practical skills development on the track and in the weight room.

FRIDAY 8th November (location Tallink Spa Hotel, Sadama 11a)

12:00 PM: Conference Welcome Desk opens at the hotel lobby

15:00 PM: Conference opening

15:05 PM: Book Launch with Dan McQuaid
Chicago-based writer and throws coach Dan McQuaid has had another productive year! Join him as he launches 2 new books at this special event.

15:30 PM: In-Depth Biomechanical Analyses of Discus Throwing Techniques - Kristof Kipp, PhD
2024 was remarkable for the discus! In this extra session Kristof provides a deep analysis of Mykolas Alekna's world record-breaking performance.

16:30 PM: Break (15min)

16:45 PM: The Story of Sarah Mitton - Richard Parkinson
A compelling look at the rapid rise of world indoor champion Sarah Mitton, who quickly became one of the best in the world.

17:45 PM: Break (30min)

18:15 PM: The Story of THROvacs - Ashley Kovacs
Ashley Kovacs shares the compelling journey of Joe Kovacs, delving into his successes, medal wins, career statistics, strategic planning, and unique training system.

19:30 PM: Dinner

SATURDAY 9th November 

09:00 AM: Bus from the hotel to the training hall (Lasnamäe Kergejõustikuhall, address Punane 45)

9:30 AM: Practical Throwing Session - Joe & Ashley Kovacs
Witness Joe Kovacs' warm-up routine firsthand as Ashley provides expert commentary. The session will include demonstrations of specific drills and exercises within the throwing ring, with Ashley explaining their purpose and implementation throughout the training year. (Note: the focus will be on drills and technique imitations rather than full throws).

10:30 AM: Theory of the Shot - Richard Parkinson
Coach Parkinson presents a step-by-step lecture on the rotational shot put technique, sharing a wide selection of shot put-specific drills used in his own training group.

11:45 AM: Lunch in the training hall (30min)

12:15 PM: Practical Lifting Session - Joe & Ashley Kovacs 
Observe a typical lifting session tailored to Joe's training, with commentary and insights from Ashley. This session will showcase specific exercises, lifting techniques, and the rationale behind their inclusion in Joe's regimen.

13:15 PM: Bus from the training hall to the hotel

14:30 PM: Tallinn Old Town Tour
Explore the captivating history of Tallinn! This year's Old Town tour focuses on stories of medieval Tallinn. The 2-hour tour is free for all conference participants. Please sign up here - https://forms.gle/hYDVSN1aWcNV75Ai9

or Water and Sauna Center break for 3 hours.

17:00 PM: Discussion. The Technical Model of Joe Kovacs - Ashley Kovacs, moderated by Olympic Champion Gerd Kanter 
A fascinating deep dive into the technical aspects of Joe Kovacs' throwing form. Gerd Kanter leads the discussion, using a frame-by-frame analysis of one of Joe's throws to illustrate key points.

18:30 PM: Dinner (60min)

19:45 PM: The Rotational Rumble - Win Big at our Shot Put Quiz - by hans Üürike

20:15 PM: Panel Discussion. Why Has Shot Put Evolved So Much in the Last 5 Years? - Moderated by Staffan Jönsson
This lively and informal panel discussion will explore the remarkable advancements in shot put in recent years. Joe Kovacs will join the panel and provide his unique perspectives on this exciting period in the sport's history. Other panellists TBA.

SUNDAY 10th November (location Tallink Spa Hotel, Sadama 11a)

09:00 AM: Planning for the Performance on Demand - Richard Parkinson.
An in-depth look at Coach Parkinson's training system. He reveals his analytical approach to planning throughout the year.

10:30 AM: Coffee break (30min)

11:00 AM: Keeping Heavy Throwers in the Game - Special Exercises & Rehab - Indrek Tustit.
This lecture addresses the unique injury risks faced by throwers, focusing on common knee, back, and groin issues. Explore targeted exercises and rehab protocols to treat existing injuries and build long-term resilience for a powerful throwing career. We'll also discuss adapting training as athletes age to maintain peak performance and prevent future injuries.

12:00 PM: Break (15min)

12:15 PM: Basic Biomechanical Principles for Shot Put Performance - Kristof Kipp, PhD.
Prof. Kipp presents an entry-level lecture on the biomechanics of the shot put technique.

13:15 PM: Conference Concludes & Lunch

Please, note that the time schedule is subject to change, and will be updated continuously up to the conference.