Sheaf hints

[Alan H]

Well, they'll be heaving the sheaf at Seaside, and if I'm gonna go I'm gonna have to do it. But we don't do the sheaf up here in Nor Cal. I"ve never even tried.

Any hints?

[Detroitpete]

Alan,

Check the NASGA site. I think there are some posts on it...maybe even video. I'm doing it tomorrow for the first time in a sanctioned competition and since it's hard to practice unless you have the implements--just watch others and notice it's ALL in the stop. Stop the movement at the top of your shoulder--it will make the sheaf slide off the forks and give you a straight vertical release.

You're bigger than me so your arm swing should give you good momentum without feeling like you have to 'pop" it until you feel more comfortable with the release.

Hope this helps.

[Alan H]

Alan,

Check the NASGA site. I think there are some posts on it...maybe even video. I'm doing it tomorrow for the first time in a sanctioned competition and since it's hard to practice unless you have the implements--just watch others and notice it's ALL in the stop. Stop the movement at the top of your shoulder--it will make the sheaf slide off the forks and give you a straight vertical release.

You're bigger than me so your arm swing should give you good momentum without feeling like you have to 'pop" it until you feel more comfortable with the release.

Hope this helps.

LOL, I'm all over the NASGA site...in fact I'm having to discipline myself to shut up!

[Jock Scot]

Might I suggest you get a combine harvester instead. Sorry, sorry, sorry, I could not resist it!

[Detroitpete]

Ahh--today--threw a WET 16 pounder--a bear to get off the fork but got some really good advice...on the dig, crank down like you plan to stick your right foot (if you're throwing right handed)..and really fight to keep from looking back--keep your head down and the release happens right over your shoulder --if you look back it flattens out your throw and goes more behind you than vertical.

[Ryan Nielson]

One tip I picked up. I had shoulder and pec pain whenever I threw the sheaf, then someone told me to make sure and keep both arms perfectly straight and that eliminated the pain. I don't know if it added any more distance but probably kept me from getting seriously hurt in the long run.

[Alan H]

OK, two good hints, here. I might see if I can scare up a pitchfork to borrow, and find a burlap bag somewhere.

[Ryan Nielson]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5HSH5siBD4

Look at this video about 2:20 into it. They stop the fork really hard and they do not follow through and watch the bag with their eyes as it goes over. This is to create a better path of the bag more straight up over the bar path.

Personally I am not that good at stopping the fork like that and I do a little too much follow through with it, but I'm still learning how to do it.

[jgorley]

The big thing is to keep both arms straight. On the back swing bring the fork vertical while standing almost up on the tip toes. Then use your weight and gravity to accelerate at an angle to slightly miss your right foot. (for right handers) Then just befor the bag hits the ground rip the bag straight up. The bag actually travels in a "V" sort of path. On the up swing really use the legs like in the WFH to accelerate upward. Your right hand should end up more or less right in front of your groin. This puts your left hand just above the shoulder and lets the bag slide right off the fork. When placing the fork in the bag set the bag on its long side and and start about 6-8 inches in and come out on the short side about 4-6 inches down. Rock the fork back and forth to loosen up the holes. Again this allows the bag to slide off easily. Personally I use a 2 tine fork. I find it releases easiest. I just bought a 5 tine fork and cut the middle and 2 outside tines off with an angle grinder. At my first game I cleared 18 feet with a 20 pound bag. Not too bad for novice. I can clear 20 now, but there was only 2 games I went to with the sheaf in Washington. If you can find video of Harrison Bailey, he has great form. He is a pro. I was lucky enough to see him in Enumclaw, WA this year. He is a really nice guy as well. Hope this helps!!

James

[Ayin McFye]

The bag actually travels in a "V" sort of path.

I've heard the "V" technique as well. I heard that you should thrust the fork down hard and then sharply swing in a V motion instead of a U or anything else. I have still yet to try it and I'm going to have to when I compete in November.