So you need some practice equipment?

[ThinBlueLine]

Alan H,

All of that makes perfect sense. The weights I gave for the hand weights were just what I believe the maximum would be for the size of the hardware I used (different lengths of center pipes). I was not intenting to throw 60 pounds any time soon, least of all for a high number of repetitions. I had not explained that in the beginning which is my fault.
I have a lot of work to do to learn the proper technique so I have no desire to throw the heaviest weights I have until I am certain I will not destroy myself.
I actually have an idea regarding training for the hammer throw, let me know what you think of this:

Take a pipe, pole, or whatever that is around 48" long and tie a small drag parachute to it, probably not much bigger that 5" across and work the motions of the technique with that. Much like a drag parachute for a runner it should help to building the muscles required.
Am I much off base on this?

Also, in the weight for distance, is the technique similar to that of the discus (minus the handle and release)?

Thank you for taking the time to educate me. I have learned a lot from your previous posts as well as those from the other athletes.

[Alan H]

Hmmm... a drag parachute. I never thought about that, before. I'm not sure what to tell you, it might be pretty good. Try it out and let us know what you think.

what I do know works well is to make a wire hammer, and throw that. I've never done it but most of the best hammer throwers I know have. Basically, you're going to use your weight plates and plumbing fixtures to make a "ballistica"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjzrz0USqk4

Set it up on a chain or a wire of the appropriate length and work it like a collegiate or wire hammer. If your timing isn't good, you won't be able to maintain the structure of the handle/wire/weight link and you'll flail around.

Weights for distance is not really like discus. The difference in mass is huge.

In discus, your spin is basically functioning as a gigantic wind-up spring, which you unleash in a huge pull at the end of the throw to deliver the implement. Unless you are truly a mammoth human being with inconceivable brutal strength you can't do that with a 28 pound weight, and certainly not with a 56 or 42. In the weight events you more "guide" and "pull" and "push" the weights along, rather than winding up this massive amount of potential torque and then unleashing it.

I strongly....**STRONGLY** recommend starting the weight throws with a single spin. Look around YouTube and you'll find some links. Watch them about 1,000 times. Start light, like with a softball. I'm dead serious, I start most of my beginners with single spins with a softball or a 3 pound rock. When you can single spin, accurately with the rock/ball and no stutter-stepping, then try a ten pound weight on a handle.