So you want to be an athlete?

[Yaish]

How do I do each event?

The Stone Puts

There are two stone putting events, very similar to each other but with some important differences. In the Braemar stone, you start in a fixed position and may not have any forward progress. At the end of your throw (put, like shot put) your feet may be reversed from a spin but may not be any further forward than when they started.

The classic position for Braemar stone is standing at right angles to the trig, so your left foot is touching the inside of the trig. Feet should be slightly more than shoulder width apart.
Hold the stone in your right hand, cupped, with the stone tucked into your neck. (All directions are for right handers. Lefties reverse)
Take a deep squat, primarily on the back (right) leg, and then explode upwards while rotating at the hips. Your feet should leave the ground and reverse themselves, so that you are facing the opposite direction.
During this move, extend your arm with great force to launch the stone in a 45 degree angle down the field from you.
Distance is measured from the point of the trig nearest your foot to the closest edge of the initial landing of the stone. Rolls do not count.




For the Open stone event, you are allowed a run up from the back of the box. Your rearmost foot must be forward of the inner backline (7’6”) and at least one foot must remain inside the box at all times. You may use a glide, spin, or shuffle technique to advance the trig, where the stone is thrown just as before.
Momentum is key, and you will not want to stop your movement at any time until after the stone is released.
I use a shuffle technique, as it is probably the simplest. Start at the end of the box on the left hand side, all the way to the edge. Take a crouch, and rapidly shuffle towards the front of the box, where you will explode upwards and extend your arm, with a the same motion as in the Braemar event. The added momentum from the rapid advance should increase the distance of your throw by a wide margin. It also uses a lighter stone.

Weight Throws

Each of the weight for distance events use identical techniques, however the light and heavy weights are very different. Tipping the scales at 56 lbs, the heavyweight can cause injury if not handled properly, so good form is a must.

Both throws are done inside a box, using the further backline (9’). The weight is grasped by the handle with one hand only. You may use a standing throw, a single or double spin, or any other technique deemed safe by the judges.

For a double spin, you will grasp the weight with your strong hand, and stand at the rear of the box. Begin by swinging the weight from front to back, describing a half circle around yourself. Swing the weight back to the front, bringing it up to about shoulder height. Your arm should be fully extended. As the weight begins to spin in front of you, you will rotate your body so that the extended weight remains at the end of your outstretched arm, directly to your side.
Complete one rapid spinning hop in place to build momentum, then take a large step toward the front of the box while beginning the second spin. At the completion of the second spin, release the weight with an upward toss towards the field in front of the trig.

Measuring is again done from the trig to the first point of impact.

WARNING: Trying to ‘muscle’ the heavyweight can result in torn muscles or joint injuries. You should be following the weights natural movements, not trying to force it with the strength of your arm alone.

I use a single spin method which is identical except I start close in the trig and do not move forward during my spin.



Weight over Bar

The WOB uses a 56 lb weight with an attached ring handle, that is thrown over a horizontal bar affixed to uprights. The bar is raised after each round of successful throws, and continues to be raised until only one competitor can clear that height. That competitor may then continue for their personal record.
Competitors get three attempts at EACH height, though at the judges discretion that may be changed to three TOTAL attempts that do not pass the bar.
If the bar is unfixed, knocking the bar off counts as a failed attempt even if the weight cleared it. Weights must go over the bar, rather than simply achieving the marked height. Attempts that do not clear the bar are marked as fails.
The most common technique is the underhand method. The competitor will stand directly under the bar, feet shoulder width apart, slightly crouched, and grasp the weight with their strong hand. A palm down or sideways grip is preferred to a palm up grip.
The weight is then swung either between the legs or to the side until momentum is built up.
When the competitor is ready, they will explode upwards using the muscles of their legs, hip, back, and shoulders to heave the weight upward. At release you should be in a bent backwards position, armed extended directly overhead.
The weight will continue to travel on its arc, and should clear the bar and travel behind the competitor.
It is considered good etiquette to replace your own weight back under the bar at the conclusion of your attempt.

You may pass at a height, but once you choose to throw you may not pass again. For example, if you know you can clear 10 feet, you may choose to pass until the bar is at 11 feet. From that point forward you must throw at each height. This is used to conserve strength by attempting easy throws.

TIPS: Use your free hand on your knee to act as a stabilizing force. Place your hand underneath, not on top of the material of your kilt as you do this. Otherwise the material will tighten as the weight is swung between the legs, spoiling the motion.
Also, do not allow the weight to swing at the end of the handle. It should remain in a static position throughout the attempt. If the weight swings it is likely due to jerky or erratic movements. Ask the judge for a reset, set the weight on the ground, and begin your attempt again.