Athletics (British Sports Library)

HAMMER THROWING 179 understood when it is stated that when Flanagan was beaten by Plaw, and therefore decided to change from the double turn to the triple turn method of throwing, it took him three whole years before he eventually learned to fully control the throw at the end of the third turn. Hammer Throwing takes place from within the circumfere?-ce of a circle 7 feet in diameter, and all throws to count must fall within a 90-degree sector marked upon the ground. The thrower must not step on the edge of the circle nor, with any part of his body, touch the ground outside it until the hammer has struck the ground. Hammer Throwing can only be learned in three stages. First the preliminary swing, next the standing tl:lrow, and, in combination with both, the art of turning. The athlete takes up his position at the back of the circle with his back facing the direction of the throw (Sketch 1). The feet are planted firmly and sufficiently separated for perfect balance control. This is a matter for personal experimentation. The knees are slightly flexed and the body bent forward and partly to the right. The hammer-head rests ·on the ground well to the right rear. The thrower's hands, grasping the double handle, or two stirrup handles, as the case may be, are round to the right side and level with the right knee.