Throws

I'm a little bit ashamed to admit that I've been perpetuating--probably for the past 30 years--a damaging sports stereotype and I've no better excuse to offer than my complete and utter ignorance of all things track and field. So let me set the record straight here and now: "shot put" is two words, not one. Former track and field star Randy Heisler, now a multi-award winning coach at Indiana University, takes viewers on a step-by-step guide to throwing the shot put, discus, javelin and hammer. Combining slow-motion shots with multiple angles, Heisler and a pair of demonstrators do an excellent job of breaking the various "throws" down into their component parts and discussing the emotional states of mind for each sport. Throwing the "shot put," for example, works best with "an altered state of aggression," while swinging and tossing "the hammer" requires a cooler head (in fact, it looks like you could clock yourself pretty good if you were either a) not careful or b) me). In addition, Heisler points out a series of drills (I especially liked the "discus bowling," which looked more fun than throwing the discus itself), suggests adding a few core exercises in the weight room, and demonstrates a series of pliometric exercises. A top notch introduction. Highly recommended. The three other titles in the "Gold Medal Track & Field Series" are: Jumps, Middle and Long Distances and Sprints, Hurdles and Relays ($79.95 for 4-tape set). (R. Pitman)