Seriously, is there an answer...?

[Kinetikat]

Hi guys,
I'm training alone with makeshift gear, trying to figure out technique from YouTube videos, so any help you can give would really be good!
One question that is getting to me at the moment is:
is there any way to avoid getting terminally dizzy when throwing weight for distance? Is it possible to 'spot' like a ballerina does, whipping the head around faster than the body?

Thanks!

[unixken]

One thing that may help, would be ginger pills.

We see a lot of sea-sickness on boats, which is essentially a nausea induced when the brain receives conflicting information about the body's orientation and position in space, from multiple senses.

In the case of throwing, I would think that the rapid spinning creates centrifugal forces that do funny things with the fluids of the inner ear. That, combined with the view you are getting from your eyes, which are likely focused on what you see as a fixed point relative to your body (the weight), is probably confusing the brain, inducing the disorientation.

The advantage of ginger pills, versus pharmaceuticals like Dramamine, is that ginger root is a natural plant extract, it's not considered a "drug" in any sporting activity, and it doesn't leave you feeling buzzed like Dramamine does. You can get ginger pills anywhere that vitamins and other supplements are sold.

Cant make any promises, of course, but it might be worth a try, to see if that helps.

[GoodGirlGonePlaid]

Are you doing 2 spins or 1?
I can't do 2 yet for this exact reason. The WFD ends up, like, in the parking lot.
I think the first spin is supposed to be slower, where you kind of just reverse your feet, then the second spin is speedy and powerful. This combats the dizziness, so they tell me. I'm not there yet. ;)

[eclarkhb]

Work on 1 spin 1st, but don't think of it as a spin. You're replacing your feet quickly. You lead from the ground up, so your feet, legs, hips, then upper body should come around.

Video yourself - it's great for seeing what you're really doing. Also, there's a lot of good info on the NASGA forum, and theres a facebook group for throwers where guys will post videos for critique, etc...

[Kinetikat]

Thanks, guys!

Useful suggestion re: ginger root, I will bear that in mind!

And GGGP - yes, my practice sessions this week have been punctuated by shrieks of "Whoops!" and "Ohhhh noooo...." as the WFD went whiffling off in completely the wrong direction! So I'll dial it back a bit and try a 1-turn, in the interests of spectator safety.

Thanks for the reminder about looking on the NASGA website - will do.

Will keep you posted re: improvements in my technique!

[Dangerdean]

Just a heads up on the ginger, Gravol makes a motion-sickness tablet that is all ginger.

[T-Bone]

Sorry about that.

[eclarkhb]

New phone?

[Alan H]

videotape yourself and put it up here. You'll get tons of helpful comments.

...said somewhat tongue in cheek, but in fact I'm serious.