Q & A
This section will be completed as items of interest are identified. They can include technique or training questions, personal questions, or Brian's views on other relevant issues. Please forward all questions to webmaster@brianoldfield.com.
Question from Kyle: "I heard that Brian used to do shot put workouts with 13, 14, and 15 pound shots. I was wondering what workouts he would do with the different weighted shots. Or how he decided when to use certain weights."
Answer: I used both overweight and underweight shots regularly in my training. I would start with the overweight shots and work down. My daily throwing routine of about 10 standing or power throws, 6 two-handed overhead throws and at least 50 full throws of which I would consider 6 to be competitive throws, usually the last 6. For those 6 throws, I would simulate throwing in meet conditions with appropriate waits between throws and try NOT TO FOUL.
Regarding the different weight shots, an athlete should never use a shot more than 25% heavier than their competitive weight shot. While I started heavy and worked down, some athletes may find it better to start light and work up. One thing all throwers must be aware of is that when their technique gets sloppy or their tempo gets bad, the shot is too heavy.
I would usually take about 10 throws with each different weight shot. I would rest between weight changes.
When throwing with heavier shots, it made me get lower in the center of the ring and use my legs more. Since I couldn't muscle the heavy shots, it required me to concentrate on technique. When using the light shots, I was able to get a longer application of power which is essential to good throwing.
Over time, I calculated that with every pound of change in the weight of the shot, there was a corresponding change of about 6% in distance.