I have had the opportunity to train with, be coached, or learn from some of the world’s best coaches and throwers.  I always want to learn more about the event, and that quest has led me around the world to seek out those who have been there before and can share a bit of their knowledge with me.  Most recently, it led me to Kamloops, British Columbia to train under the guidance of world renowned coach Dr. Anatoli Bondarchuk.  As I learn more about the hammer, I also try to share some of that knowledge with others.  See the writings and articles below to learn more about training for the hammer throw.

Bondarchuk’s Training Methodology

I’ve written several posts about Bondarchuk’s training.  The following best illustrate some of his ideas.  Browse through other posts to see how he applies those principles in my own training.

• About Coach Bondarchuk – Read more about his background and personality here, here, and here.  You can get an idea of his sense of humor here.
• Special Strength – For an introduction on the topic of special strength, click here. For some exercises that can be used to develop special strength in the hammer throw, click here.
• Adaptation – Read a discussion of how athletes adapt to different exercises here.
• Technique – Read about Dr. Bondarchuk’s big picture approach to technique in the hammer throw here.

Training Methodology and Concepts of Dr. Anatoli Bondarchuk (in PDF format) A look at the underlying principles of Dr. Bondarchuk’s approach to training as well as its direct application. This article was written before Dr. Bondarchuk became my coach and has not been updated since.  As a result, while the discussion of underlying principles is still valid, the rest of the article needs some updating.

Other Writings

Hammer in America – I have occasional write about why I think Americans have not had recent international success in the hammer throw and what can be done to change that.  One post shows the depth of the problem.  Other posts discuss how an emphasis on special strength and youth hammer throwing or a new approach to technique may help in the future.

Rethinking Your Approach to the Weight Throw (in PDF format) – This article explores alternative approaches to developing top hammer throwers under the traditional collegiate track and field system. Track Coach is the official technical periodical of USA Track & Field Association.