Vincent Brothers Clinic - Feb 25

Vincent Brother Clinic – Fort Worth Texas
Feb 25, 2012

The newly turned professional Highland Games Brothers. Andy and Matt Vincent put on an amazing Highland Games Throwing Clinic in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday Feb 25. It was held in conjunction with the Noth Texas Heavies Kickoff Games.

The Saturday clinic was an all day affair with a good crowd that had a variety of experience. There were brand new - never thrown in games before people, all the way up to Competitive A men’s throwers years of competition under their belt. Andy and Matt Vincent are lifelong athletes with an extensive background in sports, and their guidance over the day showed that they have amassed a wealth of knowledge about movement, speed, power and how to get the most out of what you have.

The day started in order of the classic events. Stones, weights for distance, hammers. Then cabers, followed by the height events, weight over bar and sheaf.

Personally speaking, it was the most useful day that I have spent learning and exploring what to do with the implements for Highland Games. I was totally gassed the next day for the competition, but it was worth the sacrifice for what I learned. Seeing the different styles of Open stone movement that they discussed with each person really gave me the sense that Matt and Andy were taking into consideration each individuals ability. Personalized attention of that detailed nature is rare is a mass setting and I think it really demonstrates their eye for explosive movement and throwing, as well as the fact that they really wanted everyone to get something from them that day.

I got a great view into how a power athlete looks at the events, some different stances to try and I really made some massive improvements in all events. I am excited to see this carry on into my season. I can’t wait for the next clinic so that I can get some more lessons and refine my throws some more.

Andy and Matt placed 1 & 2 in their first Pro games in Phoenix, AZ last weekend. Congratulations to them both and another nod to them for putting on this amazing clinic.

Matt can be found HERE on the interwebs.
Andy can be watched HERE doing his thing.

How do I play? The Hammers

The Hammers

This event is one that is very similar to the Olympic style Hammer throwing. The hammer has a lead or steel head with a bamboo or rattan handle affixed through a hole in the head. The shape of the hammer varies from round (like a mini cannonball) to square or bullet shaped. All are legal provided the length does not exceed 50"

There are 2 hammer events. The heavy and light hammers. Women’s heavy hammer is 16lbs. The light hammer is 12lbs. The only difference between the two events is the weight. The style and technique are the same; of course, your light hammer should go a little farther!
Photo credit: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6897365.stm

Weight Over Bar/Weight for Height

Tossing the Weight for Height. Yes, you read that correctly! This event is where the weight travels up and over a set of standards, much like what a high jumper would clear.

How do I play? 2. The Stones (Open and Breamar Stone)

Putting the Stone

How do I play? 1. The Field, Throwing Area, and Trig

The Highland games is very simple in terms of where it can be done. All you need is a flat field, with enough distance to safely throw your implements: the Stones, the Weights over Distance and the hammers (they will be covered in depth later).