D. Haakenson wrote: Here is my two cents on drills: Don't do drills. The problem with doing drills is that it compartmentalizes an action which is necessarily governed by a rhythm that is unachievable in segments. I'm not trying to be controversial or anything, I'm sure there are people who disagree with me, but I think the important thing to focus on here is that rhythm trumps position, and drills teach the body position at the cost of rhythm. If you want evidence of my belief, take a look at the wide variety of footwork and positions that are achieved by the best in our sport. If you have implements, time, and energy. I would take full throws, and if you have more time left over, take a few more throws. Especially if you are just learning the event or are looking to make big gains in the next three months.

I think it would take incredibly longer to try to do learn the throws without drills. Every throw has multiple aspects to it. The cast, the sprint, the power position, etc. Right there is 3 differet drills you can work on. Once you're achieving what you want with each drill, you put them together. First slowly, then faster. Theres your rhythm.

For instance, I'm having lots of trouble getting into the correct power position for the south african open stone. I'm landing correctly, my footwork is good, but my balance is too on my right leg, I'm not separated enough and I'm blowing past my left. There is a drill where you put your right foot (for a right handed thrower) in the position before you begin the spin, then push your left leg around into the power position and into the throw. That drill right there will save you hours and hours of full throws because you can figure out what you should be FEELING to get the correct throws. From there you only have to add one other portion to it.

Drills teach you what the positions should FEEL like. From there you can apply repetition and rhythm so that you know what positions you're looking for. If it were not for drills, I would have no idea what I did differently between a 43' open stone and a 48' open stone. Because of the drills, I know exactly what is off and exactly what I need to correct.

Lance, since I've thrown with you before I know you're right handed. Whether you're throwing with one turn or two, focus on a strong drive with the **LEFT** leg. If you're doing a one turn, when you land, shift your weight forward as the weight is reaching it's low point, then explode up onto the left leg, pushing your left hip back and your right hip forward, lauching the weight up and over the trig. If you're doing two spins, when you and and you begin your sprint to the trig, push off that leg leg hard to sprint forward and push your right around into the 2nd turn. When you land, get that left leg down fast and drive forward and up over it.

The cast and drop drill that Alan mentioned is good. It will teach you how to get into position for your sprint on a full throw (2 turns). You want to drift very little (almost exactly replacing your left foot with your right).

The other drill I do very often is the one turn and I start perpendicular to the trig. This carries over the most to a two turn. It's hard to explain how everything should feel. In the middle of this video is me practicing one turns with a 42lb WFD: http://youtu.be/ek3YEOlJW8c - http://youtu.be/ek3YEOlJW8c

I'm going to try to make it down to Tucson to train with you guys in early december so I'll show you then as well as any other drills I have.

Deakion wrote: When you can complete 8 spins on the line or very close

FML, I can't do 3 without getting dizzy and falling over

Line drills + 1

start w  3 easy turns w. a 10lb weight in your hands - look at great throwers on video and slooow down and hit positions - POSITIONS = POWER.

Video yourself - it helps you spot errors!

when u can do 5 nice turns staying in form and on a line - move to a 20-25lb weight

continue

when u can 5 turn a 56 and stay on a line - You will throw far!

My goal is to do 5 spin drills w a 28 and throw the last one 60'

I usually won't do a reg 2 turn throw till I can do the 5 turn 60 footer.

D. Haakenson wrote: I firmly believe that if you believe in your approach it will be more successful than a different approach that you have less confidence in so obviously that is the way to go for you. For the sake of furthering the ongoing dialogue on this issue . . . If you are not sure that your technique in the throwing events is correct, how can you ever be sure that the drills you are working on will be executed correctly? Should someone be working on creating drills for the drills?

I do agree with this. Without the aid of someone there watching you, making sure the drills are correct, they can be flawed as well. An option is to watch a LOT of videos, and videotape yourself. Even then, a throw can look good but not go far because force is being applied at the wrong times.

Kilted Dragon wrote: With the very likely possibility of repeating many things that have already been said, I love drills.  However, drills only work if they are correct.  Drills are meant to help people who are not comfortable with correct positions to become comfortable in those positions.  Also Drills are like working out, find what works for you.  If you Pr from throwing fulls all the time keep throwing fulls.  If you throw best when you do drills do drills.  If you throw better than other people using a technique that nobody else uses you may have just figured out a new technique.  To quote the many infamous rappers DO YOU.

I agree with this as well. If you PR from throwing fulls all the time, don't stop, you're obviously doing something right. In regards to a "technique that nobody else uses", I have a 4 wind hammer. I'm not comfortable with 3 winds. I need the first two winds to get my hips moving and my balance under control, then I notch things up on winds 3 and 4, wheras most guys can get away with 3 winds and big throws.

FWIW, I throw every weekend on either saturday or sunday. You're welcome to drive up to throw with me every now and then. I know it's a far drive, just let me know when you're interested and I'll get you a definite date for throwing.

jsully wrote: I do agree with this. Without the aid of someone there watching you, making sure the drills are correct, they can be flawed as well. An option is to watch a LOT of videos, and videotape yourself. Even then, a throw can look good but not go far because force is being applied at the wrong times.

I like this. I think this kind of boils it down. The best thing to do for a young or inexperienced athlete is to throw with someone else watching you. Watching videos and doing drills will help you to know how it is supposed to look but not how it is supposed to feel.