# Predictors of Efficiency in Throwing Disciplines: Insights from 35 Elite Coaches
## 1 Introduction  
Throwing is a natural form of movement and a fundamental skill that is inherently developed in early childhood [1]. The action of throwing can be defined as a ballistic movement initiated by explosive agonist activation, followed by a period of relaxation, and finishing with deceleration due to the action of antagonists or the passive stretching of connective tissue [2]. Each throw involves a complex interaction between the thrower's neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems [3, 4]. Throwing movements comprise various combinations of body parts and motions that are influenced by numerous factors, mainly depending on the purpose of the throw [5]. For instance, in handball and basketball, the objective of the throw is to hit a target. Conversely, in athletic throwing competitions, the goal is to achieve the maximum distance, as seen in the shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer throw. Additional factors include space constraints and technical rules specific to each discipline, such as the shot put circle, javelin landing strip, and throwing field boundaries [6]. Furthermore, the throwing efficiency is contingent upon the thrower's ability to produce an optimized and synchronized sequence of movements pertaining to the specific throwing technique [7]. This ability is determined by the complex non-linear relationships between the athlete's amount of training and their anthropological characteristics [8]. To date, various predictors of success have been identified in throwing disciplines, with maximum strength and explosive power being paramount [9]. Studies have shown a significant correlation between fundamental movement skills that assess maximum strength, such as the deadlift, clean, bench press, and full squat, as well as performance outcomes in the hammer throw for women and the javelin throw for men [10; 11]. These exercises facilitate the development of maximal strength, which is crucial for generating the forces necessary for rapid and effective throwing, thereby achieving greater distances. [PERSON] et al. [12] reported a 3.8% improvement in shot put performance following a 12-week regimen of bench press exercises using the [PERSON] machine. Given the significant weight and high loads associated with these implements, shot putters and hammer throwers prioritize motor skills that promote maximum strength development. Success in throwing is also contingent upon explosive power. Motor skills, such as the standing long jump and sprint, are frequently employed to develop explosive power in throwers [13; 14]. Research has shown that longer standing long jump distances and faster 40 m sprints are associated with superior shot put performance. Regarding javelin performance, sprinting ability has a high predictive value [15], indicating that explosive power is a strong indicator of success in javelin throwing. In contrast, a low correlation was found between sprinting and shot put or discus performance, which was attributed to the limited space available for executing these throws [16]. These observations suggest that explosive and maximal strength are critical predictors of success in throwing disciplines. Nonetheless, implementing training programs to enhance these forms of strength relies highly on the coach's expertise. Consequently, a coach's comprehension and enhancement of these predictors are essential for improving performance in throwing disciplines. Competitive throwing is typically performed under standardized conditions mandated by the regulations of the International Athletics Federation. Athletes' performances are ranked based on precisely measured distances, utilizing high-precision measuring devices [17]. Consequently, the outcomes in throwing disciplines are more objective than those in sports, where the results are influenced by the subjective assessments of referees [18].