To 56 or not to 56

Guys, during season do you practice the 56'. If so how often, once a week, once a month besides games. If not the 56' do you just throw the 28 or do you throw the 42' or do you have something just a little lighter than the 56' like 50' or 48'. Maybe you throw something a few lbs heavier, like 60lbs. Same question for the WOB. I am not a big guy or a strong guy, however, I will never be a 190 guy. The 56 man handles me and I feel I can get more throws in with the 42 when doing the WFD and WOB but unlike using a 16lb sheaf as opposed to a 20 or like using a 12 to 14lb shot as opposed to the 16. The 56 is a whole different monster than the 42. So I would appreciate everyones input on their suggestions and what they do. (Except for Myles, I can't get "amped" up like him and I won't get a straight answer that doesn't include cupcakes anyway  ) So for everyone else. I would appreciate anyones input. I am just trying to find what works for me as far as throwing. Do I throw all the events each week, some multiple, some everyother, Break it down into an event a day, 3 a day, etc, etc. etc. Thanks for the input on everything guys.

Can I do Taco Bell instead of the cupcakes.

 

I am one of those little guys (well, 195, actually, but I'm old), and practice with both the 56 and 42 for both distance and WOB.  Of course, through last year I threw as an Am as often or more than I threw as a master, but I still believe in practicing with the big weight.

I typically throw the 56 on one day and the 42 on another.  When I throw the 56 for distance, I'm trying more to get the motion down (i.e., not get thrown out of the box) than to get great distances.  I think this prepares me for throwing in competition, where the weights feel lighter.  After throwing the 56, the 42 feels like the 28, so I practice the 42 to get good distances.  I wouldn't be surprised if this helped my throws with the 28, but can't say for sure.

In WOB in particular, I think the two weights train different strength characteristics:  the 56 trains strength more, and the 42 trains explosiveness more.  I think they're complementary, so I'd recommend some WOB training with the 42 for the young guys, too.  Besides, it's fun to watch it soar.

-Wayne

Yeah, we've done that a couple of times after all the official events were done.  Aim is certainly a big issue there.  It also teaches you about the explosiveness deficit:  you can't really get twice your 56 height with the 28, but it's fun to try.

-Wayne

If you lift a heavy weight and then shortly thereafter lift a lighter weight and notice that it feels very light, that's called post-tetanic facilitation (or any of several related terms).  The carryover effect from one workout to another you're referring to doesn't really fit this, though, because of the long time delay, so you'd probably call it neuromuscular learning.

But yeah, that works.

-Wayne

At the beginning of last year I didnt have a practice 56 and I was throwing about 23' .  Then I decided to get off my butt and make one.  Threw is 2-3 days per week (10+ throws).  Ended the season over 30' .  I experimented alot with what and when to throw last season too.  What worked well for me was to throw stones, and hammers Monday, Wed, Friday because they are my weakest events, and throw 28, 56, and WOB on Tuesday and Thursday.  Threw all events in a simulated game on Saturday.  This worked well and kept my energy levels up as well as keeping the focus on specific things during specific days.  Now if I can only make a 7' jump in the 56 again this year!!

TROB

Thanks for all the input guys. We are having a games this year that will be a medley. You will throw the 56#, 42# and 28# for height and count your total footage. Same with hammers, same with WFD (56, 42, 28) etc. I think it will be fun.

Inka, I have been throwing the 28 for height to warm up, take 5+throws with the 42 then finish off with the 28 again. I'll try your method for awhile and see what happens.

Grasshopper, I'm at 23' with my HWD as well, I am going to try the routine and see if I can put 7' on mine this year. That would be great.

Again, thanks for the input.

Dave Carl wrote:   Gentlemen,  At 175lbs, the 56 is a @#$%@#!  Do you think if I incorporate a double spin, my distance will improve.  16'10" was my PR at my first game, I have gone down hill from there.  All other events have been improving but the WFD.  Any help would be appreciated.   *Tim get rest NOW, soon it will be to late.   Thanks, Dave

Dave, thanks for the warning.  I think I've heard that before.

As far as the 56.  1) Put on some weight...skinny.  2) The double spin will be more effective in the long run.  Have someone watch you do it to see if they can find where your form is breaking down.  At 175 the 56 is over a third of your body weight (32% to be exact).  You need some really good technique to off set that disadvantage.

Or you could just eat some more.  It seems like cupcakes work for others on this board.

 Thanks for the advice.  Few sports are as supportive as this one.  I see a doctor next week, he says he can get rid of my tapeworm and then I should be able to put on some weight. 

  Stay Healthy,

  -Dave