Hammer Revelation
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Category: Nasgaweb Forums
Forum Name: Throwing Only
Forum Discription: This forum is only for discussions that relate to throwing such as results, technique, and records.
URL: http://www.nasgaweb.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5660
Printed Date: 3/26/26 at 8:20pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 10.11 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Hammer Revelation
Posted By: Mike Wills
Subject: Hammer Revelation
Date Posted: 10/25/07 at 8:36am
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I have some new optimism for the hammer and here is why - I have figured out how
to speed it up without being pulled over. That might seem like nothing
to a natural hammer thrower, but it has held me back my entire career.
The problem has never been how to speed it up, it has been how to keep from getting pulled over as the hammer goes over and down once I speed it up. I learned years ago how to not just use the arms...so I thought the problem was all in my hips and limited flexibility. One of my major pluses the past two years is learning how to practice at reduced intensity levels to diagnose form issues. So, a few weeks ago I was working on the hammer and was simply trying to add speed to the second wind without being pulled over...nothing else. Every time I tried I ended up losing it as the hammer went over and down. I had always heard that you need to throw the hammer with your "core", so I always kept the torso tight and the arms loose and tried to turn with the hammer while applying force with the torso. After several failed tries, I said "well, let's just try adding speed at the bottom and then just let the hammer flop over and see what happens." Instantly I discovered my problem. By trying to keep the torso active throughout the movement I was making a rigid line of force between the hammer and my center of gravity. As the hammer went over and down my tight torso was locking me into the pull of the hammer above my center of gravity and I just couldn't hold an upright position at anything above a very slow wind speed. By using the feet/legs/hips/torso on the bottom half of the movement and then letting the torso go limp and only use passive strength I transitioned from a tug of war I couldn't win, to allowing the hammer to simply take the path of least resistance. Suddenly it took very little force to stay upright. Now I can add good speed on just two winds and hit a 2' training PR of 84' on Tuesday. 90' is not far away. |
Replies:
Posted By: Hapy
Date Posted: 10/25/07 at 9:19am
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Wow Mike, this actually helps me a bunch also. Make sure you repost this
next spring so I can remember!  ------------- Real Men Wear Purple Tinky Winky Throw Far! http://www.facebook.com/CVTSA" rel="nofollow - Central Vermont Strength Association |
Posted By: Joel Sim
Date Posted: 10/25/07 at 2:56pm
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Great post, yet another aspect to work on this winter thanks Mike
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Posted By: mpac
Date Posted: 10/26/07 at 3:23pm
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I understand exactly what you are talking about, Mike. As I continue to learn this stuff, it is information that you and other throwers provide that will allow me to increase my throws. This is a real gem! Thanks  ------------- Rich McClain JUST SHUT UP AND THROW! |
Posted By: phatmiked
Date Posted: 10/27/07 at 5:15pm
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Awesome Mike. I look forward to some big throws from you next year. ------------- |