Why Shot Putters Get to Yell at Their Places of Work

As the world watches the Paris Olympics, the pinnacle of human athleticism and dedication, viewers might notice a common, yet intriguing, phenomenon: athletes yelling at the peak of their performance. Whether it's a shot putter launching a heavy metal ball or a tennis player smashing a serve, the yell is an unmistakable part of the action. But why do these athletes yell, and after years of putting in work, should we assume they believe it has a positive impact on their performance? 

Let’s dive into the science and psychology behind these vocal exclamations and see what we find…

The Power of the Yell: Boosting Performance

One of the primary reasons athletes yell is to enhance their physical performance. So, check!

The science behind this is rooted in the body's response to vocal exertion. When an athlete yells, it triggers the activation of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for the fight-or-flight response. This response releases adrenaline, a hormone that increases heart rate, muscle strength, and overall energy levels.

A study by Chris Rodolico and Sinclair Smith found that participants who vocalized during a handgrip test produced significantly more force than those who remained silent. The study revealed a 10% increase in force generation when participants vocalized, highlighting the direct correlation between yelling and enhanced physical output​ (Fun piece here in The Art of Manliness - which is also one of my favorite names of a website of all time)​. In the context of shot put, this increase in power can translate to a farther throw. The shot putter’s yell serves as a catalyst, helping them channel maximum energy into the explosive movement required to launch the heavy shot put.

Breathing and Core Stability

Another critical aspect of yelling is its impact on breathing and core stability. Yelling involves a forceful exhalation, which engages the diaphragm and core muscles. This stabilization is crucial for athletes who rely on their core strength to perform complex and powerful movements. Research published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that vocalizing during high-intensity exercises not only increased force output but also improved muscle activation, particularly in the legs​ (Read more on that in Harvesting Strength)​. For shot putters, who need to generate power from their legs through their core to their arms, this enhanced muscle activation can significantly improve their performance.

The Psychological Edge

Yelling also provides a substantial psychological boost. It helps athletes focus their energy, overcome pain, and maintain intensity throughout their performance. I can tell you from experience, this psychological aspect is often as important as the physical benefits.

When an athlete yells, it can serve as a mental cue, helping them concentrate on the task at hand and block out distractions. This increased focus can be the difference between a mediocre performance and a record-breaking one. Couple that with the previously mentioned release of adrenaline triggered by the yelling that also helps athletes push through the physical discomfort that can accompany peak performance. 

Tradition and Routine

Beyond the physical and psychological benefits, yelling is also quite often part of many athletes' routines and traditions. For instance, in martial arts, the practice of kiai—a shout used to focus energy and intimidate opponents—has been integrated into training for centuries. This practice has found its way into various sports, becoming a ritual that athletes rely on to maintain consistency and confidence in their performance​ (back to that same Harvesting Strength piece for more on that)​. I know many athletes who annoyed their teammates and training partners with this - just like any workplace, the quirks of one’s coworkers can become a distraction!

Everyday Yells and Bobsled Roars

It's not just Olympic athletes who benefit from a good yell. Walk into any gym, and you're likely to hear weightlifters letting out a grunt or a yell as they push through their heaviest sets. This often isn't just for show; it can be the same principle at work. Whether it's a personal record on the bench press or the last few reps of a grueling squat session, that yell can make all the difference.

Back in my bobsled days, you'd hear yells of a different kind. As we pushed the sled off the starting line, the adrenaline was pumping, and you'd often hear someone letting out a roar. It was part of the rhythm, part of the ritual, and it definitely got the team fired up. 

I myself didn’t yell as I pushed the sled but there was no doubt I would be letting out giant roars in the weight room on big back squat days!

The Downsides: When Yelling Hurts

While yelling has its benefits, it can also have downsides if not managed properly. In sports where precision and timing are critical, an ill-timed yell can disrupt focus and coordination. For some obvious examples - sports like archery or golf, where calmness and concentration are paramount, yelling can be more of a distraction than a benefit. 

Additionally, in team sports, excessive yelling can lead to miscommunication and tension among teammates on the field of play. It's clearly important for athletes to balance the desire for vocal exertion with the need for clear communication and team cohesion - these are real considerations that athletes are balancing on an ongoing basis.

So as you watch the last few days of the Paris Olympics and witness the yells, grunts, and shouts of athletes, enjoy knowing they are not just background noise—they can be crucial parts of high-performance. From increasing power output and improving core stability to providing a psychological edge, yelling is a multifaceted tool that athletes use to enhance their performance. However, like any tool, it needs to be used appropriately and in the right context to maximize its benefits. 

And the next time you see a shot putter yell as they release the shot, or a gym-bro lifting some big weight, remember that it's likely not just for show. It's a scientifically-backed technique that can make all the difference in the world of competitive sports. And hey, if it worked for me to lift some big weight or for some of us bobsledders hurtling down the ice at breakneck speeds, there's obviously got to be something to it!

- Steve