The Hammer Throw

Basic Objective

        To throw the hammer as far as possible using a heel-toe spinning motion.  It may contain three or four rotations.

Rules

        You must begin the throw in the ring and also end in side the ring.  Either of these infractions can be called a "foul."

Chain

Handle

Basic Technique

Holding the Hammer

Hold the handle of the hammer in your left hand, just on the finger tips.  Cup the right hand under the left hand.

Standing Position in the Ring

Stand near the front edge of the ring with the back facing the field.

Basic Overhead Rotation of the Hammer

Hold the hammer down so that the arms form an isoceles triangle.  Rotate the arms a little above and aroun your head in a clock-wise motion, starting slow and increasing in speed.

Throwing the Hammer

Slide your feet into a heel-toe position, which moves your lower body first (a key element in any throwing event).  Follow the lower body with the torso then follow with the rest of your upper body.  End with releasing the hammer.  To do this, remove your right hand and the hammer should roll off the left hand.