Newbie Hammer Throw Questions

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   I will be competing in my first highland games in about 2 months. I only have a few hammer throw sessions under my belt, but I just wanted to check in. I have watched videos and tried to do reading on the movement, but it is tough for me to analyze my technique with my limited experience. 
What are a few of the basic things that I should focus on? I feel that I am slow and releasing too low. I have tried to 'go faster' by pushing harder, but this is pretty counterproductive. I had more video, but unfortunately something technical went wrong with my phone.

Thank you! I appreciate the time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfOHs5sxVEI

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AndrewK51 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 6/15/15 Status: Offline Points: 633	Post Options Post Reply Quote AndrewK51 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Newbie Hammer Throw Questions Posted: 6/15/15 at 3:28pm
	I will be competing in my first highland games in about 2 months. I only have a few hammer throw sessions under my belt, but I just wanted to check in. I have watched videos and tried to do reading on the movement, but it is tough for me to analyze my technique with my limited experience. What are a few of the basic things that I should focus on? I feel that I am slow and releasing too low. I have tried to 'go faster' by pushing harder, but this is pretty counterproductive. I had more video, but unfortunately something technical went wrong with my phone. Thank you! I appreciate the time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfOHs5sxVEI

Cameron Steiger Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 5/18/14 Location: Ohio Status: Offline Points: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote Cameron Steiger Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 6/26/15 at 1:29pm
	From one newbie to another, here are some things that help me: Your hips should be rotating opposite of your arm-placement. For example, if you have the hammer up over your right shoulder, your hips should be out in front of you slightly to your left. They move in circles. You should slowly try to go faster, gaining the most speed right before the release. What I like to think of is pulling the hammer down fast over my right side. Try to keep the "low-point" on the bottom right hand side and start to bring it back up through the middle in front of you. Think spaghetti- arms, stay long. On the release, keep your head up and don't shorten up your arms. The release should be long and stretched out. You should feel an inverted-C position of your back/chest. Hope this helps, best of luck!

JustinBlatnik Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 11/11/13 Location: Charlotte, NC Status: Offline Points: 790	Post Options Post Reply Quote JustinBlatnik Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 6/26/15 at 4:41pm
	Just to get an idea - this is for a throw that will release on your left side over your left shoulder, if 12:00 on a clock face is directly in front of you (with 6:00 being the field that you have your back to and you are throwing towards ), you want to keep your low point on the right side as best you can. It will naturally drift towards 12:00. If you get past 12:00 with your low point, your throws will suffer. Really think about pushing the hammer down towards the ground hard towards that low point. Start SLOW to FAST. Personally - and I'm not the best hammer thrower out there - I like to start my first wind very easy, just setting myself up. Get and use and learn blades. Throw a lot ans then some more. Good luck!

AndrewK51 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 6/15/15 Status: Offline Points: 633	Post Options Post Reply Quote AndrewK51 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 6/27/15 at 7:15am
	Thank you both of you for the advice. Much appreciated!