Instead of complaining to have not enough equipment or not to be able to throw when the field is not free or because it is too dangerous for others , or because the ground keeper is not happy when you make holes in his favourite lawn , or because the weather is too bad and you have no possibility of retreat into an indoor throw facility etc…etc… One can very well run very good throwing sessions in perfect safety , without making holes anywhere , without spending fortunes in equipment and for all ages, all levels of technical ability , even with only a minimum of covered space if needed !

Since many years , we have more and more been using simple self made flags resulting from the mariages of old broomsticks and pieces of left over tissues . with these flags we can practically execute most of the classic exercises used for learning and coaching the techniques of the throwing events  , especially Discus , Javelin , hammer . (For the shot put techniques , the flags possibilities are quite limited ….but there are other ways and other utensils !) .

Out of the fact that this material costs virtually nothing and is easily DIY , it is also practically inoffensive when training in groups or near other athletes in busy areas . Out of that it does also appear to be extremely versatile with many possible adjustments and adaptations by changing the length of the sticks , the size or the number of the flags (this will change the resistances and the speeds during the motions and especially the strikes).  It is also a lot more funny and will give more efficiency and life to the imitations drills . And , last but not least , it will give the thrower the RIGHT sensations of the throwing paths , of the pulling ”feeling” of the implements , of the accelerations phases (With help of the noise that the flags are making when moved fast) …and even , if we feel the need of it , you can still throw them at the end and don’t mind if they break  ! …(but this is not really the purpose of the game !)

All together , the use of the flags is situated at a more elaborate stage that the use of bars and sticks et it is an excellent preparation toward the use of the ”real” competition implements. (it is even possible (and recommended) to mix the flags with the normal implements during training)

Therefore, with all these qualities and diversity of exercices and possibilities which can be profitable not only for the beginners , the very young and the not more young , the very good and not so good ,  we can can only give this advice : :

Throwers …TO YOUR FLAGS !

Available documents : Visitors 1-PDF 8 pages (Samples)    2-Vid 1 DISCUS Tom REUX full imitation with flag ….more videos to come

Members : 1-PDF 28 pages ”To your flags !” 2-Vid 1 HAMMER progression of exercises with flags  2-Vid 2  DISCUS Some exercises with flags Exercises…3-Vid 3 JAVELIN Striking the flags exercises .4-Vid 4 HAMMER special catching exercise with flag : Hop on spot …. More videos to come