A Throwers Approach to Handling the Weather
BY THROWERS UNIVERSE
As a thrower, there are quite a few variables you have to deal with. Technique, physical prep and other distractions. However, one of the largest variables that can go under the radar in the minds of athletes is the weather.
WEATHER AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
HYPOTHETICAL SITUATION
You train in a typically warm country with clear skies for 95% of the year. You are not used to training or competing in snowy conditions, heavy rain or otherwise. You have successfully managed to qualify for your first major international overseas. However, this country has unpredictable weather patterns. Fast forward to you waking up on competition day at this international event, and you look outside your window in the morning. The weather looks good, nothing too concerning.
A couple of hours later, it is raining torrentially. Your competition is an hour away.
What can you do leading up to – and during the competition to be best prepared to execute in any conditions?
GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE IN YOUR ATHLETIC THROWING
Something as simple as training outdoors, from time to time, during bad periods of weather (rain, snow etc.) can help you massively. If you are already used to executing a good technique in adverse conditions, it will certainly phase you less during competition. It is much easier to throw far in perfect conditions, but what can you do when this is not the case? Learning to perform in poor conditions will not only physically benefit you, but you will also gain a mental edge over the competition. With that being said, you may have to make some technical adjustments in these conditions to ensure the weather has less impact on your throw.
Take a look at what Olympian Matty Denny does to throw far in the rain…
GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR THROWS
If you live in an area which is always sunny, get creative and switch things up from time to time. As 2x Olympic Champion Ryan Crouser famously did days before the World Championships. Crouser calls it ‘Rain Simulation’. Take a look below…
You might think – why would I do this? But it is simple and ties in with point #1. You want to get used to having to throw in these conditions should they appear in competition. Best case scenario, you throw far in the rain when you need to. Worst case scenario, you have learnt this skill for another day.
Find other ways to alter the conditions you train in—wet, slippery, fast, slow circles or runways. Adjust your technique accordingly and become proficient in these conditions. Even if it may not feel like it, you are making huge strides.
Something to also consider with poor weather is that you should not throw all out on some days – instead, take a more technical approach.
BRING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR THROWING
As well as winter weather, you also have to prepare for warm, summery weather. To simplify things, grab a pen and some paper and begin making lists of what you will need for all of these conditions—just the essentials. You can refer to these lists at any point when you are unsure.
In the summer, essentials are:
- Plenty of water
- Chalk
- Towels
- Correct throwing equipment
You can find many of these things on Neuff's website:
MAGNESIUM CARBONATE CHALK GRIP FOR THROWERS
This dry powder is used by throwing athletes to increase grip. High purity and easy to use!
WINTER ESSENTIALS FOR THROWING ATHLETES
- A few towels
- A spare pair of throwing shoes
- Layers of clothing to keep you warm
As you go on, you will be able to conclude what is essential for you!
BONUS TIP FOR THROWING ATHLETES
Fill up a warm bucket of water, bring it out to the track and keep your implements in it between throws, or leave your implement in hot water before your session.
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