I might be freaking out, but today was my first full practice with scottish hammer since October, and pulling my paraspinals two weeks ago, but I really suck. 

Last year, I left off a little over 90 in practice(I don't have the luxury of using boots w/blades) and 87 in games.  Today, I went a whole 75!  Talk about consistency, I couldn't throw over it, except for one at 76, and I couldn't throw below it. 

It doesn't add up.  I have done way more lifting that targets the hip explosion and throwing elxplosion, but it just doesn't convert.  Is there any hope?

Are you throwing Scottish style (Ryan V.) or American style (Matt Sanford). I switched to the American style load up on the right then one big pull over the left shoulder it seams to fit my body type and lack of flexibility. I just could not get the extension and counter balancing down doing the classic Scottish style.

As for your back muscles I have found than when you injure one muscle group it is often because of an imbalance in the opposite muscle group (Abs). I have been using one of those 5 dollar ab wheels (I figured you guys would like her photo better than mine!) and doing a lot of http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do;jsessionid=B8FDDC024146195990759ECC86926AB2.ba08?article=315one2 - dumbbell exercises to strengthen my Phat core for the up coming season.

Hactenus Invictus

I'm not familiar with those two ways.  I just wind the way I did in college with the Oly Hammer.  Countering hips, pushing through the front, letting it drift behind me on the wind, and accelerating on the throw with a solid block, just like the Oly Hammer. 

Is there any vids of the other two ways?

JI,

In 03’ (1^st full year competing) I threw 115’ in competition, 118’ in practice. (without blades)

Last year (04’) my best throw in practice or games (with and without boots) was 106’. (and it almost put me in the hospital!)

Pretty discouraging. I didn’t loose any strength. I was practicing more than ever….I just completely lost the feel for the throw.

Eventually it came back…it takes time….To me it’s more mental than anything. (Evidence that I must have lost my mind last year)

JISurfer wrote: (I don't have the luxury of using boots w/blades)

Umm.......why not?  To really get it down, that will be a neccessity.

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Umm.......why not?  To really get it down, that will be a neccessity.

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I honestly know nobody with the tools to make blades and attach 'em to my old hunting boots.  It's true, all my friends are skinny computer nerds.  We're kind of like Lambda Lambda Lambda, and I am Ogre.

JISurfer wrote: It's true, all my friends are skinny computer nerds.  We're kind of like Lambda Lambda Lambda, and I am Ogre.

Roy has the same problem, except he's more like Lamar.

Making hammer blades isn't all that hard, and it'll really pay off once you get used to 'em. Try Tony Dziepak's http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/8682/heavy/equip.htm#hammers - guide to making your own - but you shouldn't have to heat the metal if you have a strong vice.

david barron wrote: JISurfer wrote: It's true, all my friends are skinny computer nerds.  We're kind of like Lambda Lambda Lambda, and I am Ogre. Roy has the same problem, except he's more like Lamar.

That was a good one I gotta say. 

Problem is you called Dan, Ryan, and Rob nerds.  Hamelin will snap people in half for such statements.  He'll see you at Fairhill!!!!!!!

I know what I need to do with the hammer, ie high and low points, acceleration and drift points, my block, and hammer head speed, but it's kind of hard to know what I am doing wrong w/o someone there.

I do find it more beneficial when I get the chance to throw w/ someone, because they can give me feedback on what I can change the next time.

Hell, I just might be over thinking the whole process.