Athletics of To-Day 1929

318 Athletics of To-day series of jump spins, in which both feet are off the ground as the turn is made, but it is the pull of the hammer that carries this type across the circle. The style does, however, make for FIG. ~6 maximum spinning speed. The main reason there are so few first– class hammer throwers in the world to-day is because there are but few athletes who have the patience to face the difficulties and the often tedious practice inseparable from the building up of a perfect style. The main trouble is to acquire steadiness in swinging and turning, but once stability is found it is amazing how rapidly one progresses towards really satisfactory achievements. TRAINING The training for hammer throwing differs a good deal from the preparation for other events, since the one royal high-road to success is to throw and to keep on throwing. But the exercise is severe, and the strain, due to the weight of the implement and the lt pull" it imposes upon the thrower, is great. A start should be made, therefore, with a rz lb. hammer, which will allow the athlete to throw in good style and at the proper elevation with each delivery. Gloves should be worn to prevent the fingers becoming lacerated by the comparative thinness of the stirrup handles; and, at all times when the weather is at all cold, a sweater and track trousers, such as those worn by Nurmi in icture o. r, Plate rr, should be worn to protect the body and limbs. This is particularly important to hammer throwers, since a big strain placed on a cold muscle is almost bound to lead to a rupture. Work with the hamm r will its lf develop the upper body, as no other series of exercises could do, but the legs must be looked after, and to this end there should be a certain amount of sprinting for speed and half-mile jogging for endurance. Throw five times a week, starting with three throws for distance