We’re two years out from the next Olympics, so it’s a great time to assess the current state of American throwing. On this week’s podcast we looked in detail at the topic, giving each event a buy, sell, or hold rating. If we think the event is on the upswing, it was given a buy. If it is on the downswing, a sell. And if we’re not sure, we hold it. Below are our complete ratings and comments. Read more
It is common to hear coaches say we need to fit the plan to the athlete, rather than the athlete to the plan. But how exactly do we do that? On this week’s podcast we focus on individualization, when coaches need to start doing it, what should be individualized, and different ways to put the concept into practice. Plus, Nick and Martin start off the episodes with an analysis of the state of American throwing. Read more
Temperatures are rising and so is the anticipation as the international hammer throw season is about to get underway. Over the next few weeks the IAAF Hammer Challenge will kick off and big meets like Hallesche Werfertage in Germany will take place. As a fan of the hammer, there is lots I am looking forward to watching. There are some new stories, some old. Some good stories, some bad. But the common common theme is that 2018 will definitely be exciting. Below are 10 stories I’ll be tracking as the action gets underway. Read more
Over the past few weeks we have covered some of the highlights of the 2017 high school hammer throw season. We have compiled our final rankings, looked at the statistical depth of results, and the geographic distribution of top throwers. In this final installment, we look at the new records and top all-time performances from the season. Read more
As we finish up our look back at the 2017 season it is time to look at how the event is spread across the country. As we do every year, we like like to take a look at the sport through a geographic lens to show which states are on the rise and where the sport is spreading. Read more
At the end of every season HS Hammer.com takes some time to look back and do a statistical analysis of the year. Over the next few weeks we will recap the records, performance level, and geographic distribution of performances in 2017. To start off with, we will take a look at the general depth of hammer throwing across the country this season. Read more
If you see something that is wrong, you can do two things: act or wait. Acting is not easy; it may cost you your friends, your reputation, or your job. But in many cases it is what is needed. If you wait for someone else to change things then change will likely never come. The old saying goes “you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.” That was definitely true in the case of Harold Connolly, the man who taught me that you can’t compromise or back down on matters of principle. Read more
The NCAA Championships earlier this month showcased the next generation of throwers with individuals like Maggie Ewen setting an NCAA record and scoring in three events. However the veterans of the American throwing scene are not ready to hand over baton quiet yet. Names like Michelle Carter, Kara Winger, and Gia Smallwood-Lewis will be looking to keep their hold at the top of their respective events as the US Championships kick off on Thursday. For a preview of the men’s action, see the guide we posted yesterday. Read more
The US Championships kick off on Thursday and a change in venue from Eugene to Sacramento means more sun and less rain. Temperatures are expected to reach over 100 degrees, meaning the weather may be as hot as the action. With two Americans chasing the world record in the shot put and close competitions for the World Championships team in every event, it should be an exciting weekend of throwing. Below we break down each men’s event. Check back tomorrow for a look at the women’s action. Read more
A few times a year we have to let off some steam and it’s that time again. On this week’s episode we discuss a few rants such as why we keep worshipping doped athletes, marathon weight room session, and why equipment companies need focus on selling old stereotypes rather than innovative ideas. Read more
