throwing help

[grizzbass]

my 15 year old son is going out for track (mainly so he can learn how to throw so when he's old enough he can do the scottish games). Some of you know him from festivals. 6'1" 181 pounds, squats 310, dead lifts 390, benches 200, so he's plenty strong but knows nothing about putting. I don't know anything about shot putting either (played baseball) and want to be able to help him and make sure he learns proper form. As in power lifting I assume form is of paramount importance both for distance and safety. Is that true? Are there any books or videos the throwers here would advise to help me learn about stone throwing? Are they basically the same in form? Anyway thanks for any advise.

[Alan H]

One thing for sure...YouTube is his friend. Look for video's by Jacko Gill. Jacko is about 20 years old now, and represents New Zealand in the Olympics. Your son might relate to a young guy like Jacko. There are a lot of shot put drilling video's and coaching video's on YouTube. LOTS. Seriously. Check 'em out.

He should consider throwing discus as well. Obviously shotput = stones , but throwing discus teaches a lot of skills that pay off in throwing the weights.

[eclarkhb]

Getting some good coaching is going to help a lot as well. Technique in throwing is even more important than in powerlifting - and more difficult, because your feet are moving.

Allan's advice on youtube is really good - Specifically, I'd recommend you spend some time on the PrimalATC youtube channel. They have tons training & technique vids for shot & discus. Just search for PrimalATC from youtube.com

[grizzbass]

I will start watching and hopefully learning.

[Alan H]

One thing for sure....go buy the lad a shotput. It doesn't have to be a fancy one, a cast iron ball is fine. VS Athletics, Everything Track and Field....even Amazon carry them. You live in So Cal, right? There's a company in Pasadena called On Track that carries a mess of throwing stuff.

If he's throwing in High School then he'll be throwing a 12 pound ball, I believe.

If he starts getting even vaguely serious about this, then you'll want to invest in a pair of throwing shoes. VS Athletics has a budget "in-house" brand which is fine. I have their version of that shoe from two years ago and I like it. The reason you want a throwing shoe is that they're completely, absolutely flat-soled. This means that they don't "stick" on the grass or in the throwing ring...and that means less torque on your knee....a VERY good thing.

[azwildcat96]

As far as Highland Games books and videos, you might check out Training Lab by Matt Vincent, and The Contrarian Approach to Highland Games by Mike and Mindy Pokoski.

Check out a local throwing group (highland throwing) too. If it's not too far from you, look up the Orange County Highlanders (check them out on Facebook). I'm sure they will be more than happy to help with the introduction to the events and the training. If that's too far, private message me; I might have contacts in the games closer to whereever you are in Southern California.

[eclarkhb]

VS Athletics also has a retail store in Torrance. Depending on where you're at that might be closer than Pasadena.

[Alan H]

In Torrance? I didn't know that. That must've been the place that Heather was going on about, on FB last year.

[grizzbass]

thanks for all the advise. Another question I should have asked sunday (Cameron really enjoyed the session at the park) In some of the events gloves were advised (and he concurs) My question is does the type matter. Are there games specific gloves, would weight lifting (padded or unpadded) with wrist straps work well or simply work gloves be just as effective. He is excited to see the games Saturday (as am I).

[Martin Roy]

Gloves are a matter of personal preference - whatever works for the thrower. I don't use gloves for anything because I feel like I get a better grip with bare hands. However, I do use tape on my fingers between the knuckles and on my thumb.