Expert: Byron Collyer - 5/24/2009

Question
Hi I’m Nick I'm a junior in high school
I'm 6 ft and weigh 215 lbs and have long arms and seek to increase my shot put and discus distances. I'm varsity and throw a 12 pound shot 40 feet and hope to throw 50-57ft, and I throw disk standing 104 feet, but can spin but isn't consistent. I hope to throw 160 feet plus with added power and consistent spin. Can you help me? Also I lift regularly as I play high school football. My current PR is 115 for discus and 40 ft for the shot put. I have a problem with hooking the shot put b/c my hand keeps going away from my body. As you can see I 'm not a very big guy, but I can squat 350 bench 245 clean 150, and dead lift 500. I hope to win CIF division 3 for discus, and make a strong showing for shot-put next track season. This year’s winner won with a mark of 170-07 for discus, the winner for shot put was 56-05.25.  

Answer
Hi Nick,

To be honest, though I'd love to help, I can't give a lot of usable advice without seeing your technique first hand. It's better if you have questions that I can answer online. I would definitely suggest getting a track coach to help you look at your technique because it sounds like you've got a big powerful frame which is a great starting point for the shot and discus.

If you have other questions, feel free to send them my way and I'll try and be of more use.

byron.

www.throwjavelin.com