Hammer conundrum

[Ryan Nielson]

This weekend I threw a heavy hammer for 62 but the light hammer for 64.

Very strange considering a lighter hammer should be able to go much further. For some reason lately I'm feeling better with the heavy hammer. I think it pulls me into more stretched positions and the technique and timing of the swings feels more natural. Not sure what I can do about this except keep practicing and trying to do better.

[Ayin McFye]

That's really interesting, and a very nice throw btw on your heavy hammer. I have no clue how to answer that though. Good luck!

[jgorley]

The cure for the hammer is...........(insert drum role noise here)....the hula-hoop. By forcing your body into the necessary "C" shape to counter balance the hammer imagine you have a hula-hoop around your waste. Don't force the hips to move, but move them to counter the acceleration of the hammer on the down swing. Also keep the arms as long as possible, the low point of the arc just off of your right foot and then on the final rotation rip the heck out of the hammer by using your hips to give the last acceleration. If you get a chance look for videos of Harrison Bailey, pro thrower, he has great form. I got to watch him in both Portland, OR and Enumclaw, WA these last two weeks. And don't worry, if you look at the NASGA scores I actually threw my heavy hammer farther than my light in Portland. It was embarassing!

Keep working at it. It also helps to get some video of yourself and compare it to a pro with a similar body type.

James

[Ryan Nielson]

I'm about 2 weeks out from my next meet. All my numbers are up to their goals except not so hot on light hammer. I have thrown the light hammer for 70 a couple of times, but that day wasn't feeling it good. I got the highland games training videos and am seeing what proper technique looks like, but can't seem to make my body do it yet. I'm going to take some more video next time and hopefully get this figured out.

The cure for the hammer is...........(insert drum role noise here)....the hula-hoop. By forcing your body into the necessary "C" shape to counter balance the hammer imagine you have a hula-hoop around your waste. Don't force the hips to move, but move them to counter the acceleration of the hammer on the down swing. Also keep the arms as long as possible, the low point of the arc just off of your right foot and then on the final rotation rip the heck out of the hammer by using your hips to give the last acceleration. If you get a chance look for videos of Harrison Bailey, pro thrower, he has great form. I got to watch him in both Portland, OR and Enumclaw, WA these last two weeks. And don't worry, if you look at the NASGA scores I actually threw my heavy hammer farther than my light in Portland. It was embarassing!

Keep working at it. It also helps to get some video of yourself and compare it to a pro with a similar body type.

James

[Ryan Nielson]

I threw the light 16lb hammer at 80 feet yesterday (measured it out). I was very happy with that. It finally felt good and I was doing more things correctly technique wise.

I usually throw hammer about 3 times a week and it seems like I only goes good about 20% of the time. but I think even when it's not feeling that strong it is beneficial to practice anyway. If anything it helps develop more flexibility and can work on good timing and get very familiar with the movement.

I sure hope it goes good for my contest August 23rd.

[Alan H]

I practically had a freakin' party when I broke 80 feet in the light hammer for the first time.

Extend those arms, and snap the release! I'm liking the hula hoop for practice....great idea.

Keep at it. I notice, myself that consistency is hard to come by. I'm up and down...have great days and have bad days. I know that I'm really getting somewhere when my good days are only 10% better than my bad days.