Track Athletics in Detail (extract)

74 TRACK ATHLETICS IN DETAIL THROWING T H E HAMMER successful athletes in this line have begun by practising half an hour every day for weeks and months, trying rather to obtain control of the in­ strument than length of throw. As this is an event which cannot be practised indoors, the winter season must be given up to exercises that will strengthen the arms and the back, but outdoor work may be begun as soon as the snow is off the ground. After a man has be­ come proficient in throwing the hammer, he will find an hour's practice two or three times a week sufficient to keep him in form, and he ought to rest several days at least before entering a com­ petition.