Blog RSS

highland games, mckim, Stone throw -

One option you have to throw the open stone is to employ what’s called the, “Glide” technique. When it comes to the stone throw, this is a more simple and straightforward approach than the “Modified South African,” or “Full Spin.” But, don’t let this fool you; the glide is plenty complex and can merit some huge, huge throws. It’s a very worthy technique; here are a few reasons I like the glide:1. It’s a much more consistent movement, which is especially helpful when you consider how inconsistent the stone will be at each games. You may be throwing a heavier...

Read more

Some of you may have been wondering where I’ve been; why I haven’t been posting or even really interacting on social media lately. Some of you hadn’t even noticed, some of you didn’t care, and well, some of you were just kind of glad. I’d like to say that I “disconnected.” That I got, “unplugged.” Sadly, this isn’t the case, although many times I wish it was. Nope, I didn’t get “unplugged.” I got stoned. Kidney stoned. (How many people got nervous there for a second? Mom?) If you’ve not had the pleasure of experiencing a kidney stone, well, let’s...

Read more

braemar, highland games, mckim, Stone throw -

On paper, and on film, the Braemar stone throw should be the easiest of the events to master. Yet, for as simple as it looks, there are a few things to remember if you want to pop out a big stone throw. For starters, let's look at rhe set up. (Again, I'm writing this as if I'm coaching a right- handed thrower.  So, you lefties will just need to translate/convert this in your head.) For starters, set your feet up in a heel to toe relationship, meaning, your left foot shouldn't be in an equal stance with your right foot;...

Read more

Caber, highland games, mckim -

It can all crumble at the end if you're not careful. You might have an amazing "pick" that just drops into your hand cradle, a high carry that allows you to drive the stick with speed, and a quick gather step that puts you in just the right position to finish the throw ... but now what? I've seen it countless times in competitions and all too many times to me. When, and how, should we pull the caber? Timing This is such a hard, hard thing to coach, as it all depends on the length of the caber -...

Read more