Category Archives: Clinic
2022 Throwing Camp at Portage, IN HS 12/10/2022
All the details for this clinic are in the attached flyer.
Throwers News You Can Use 2021 Spring Edition by Jim Aikens
Hello Everyone,
Well, it has been a long time since I have written to all of you. For all of you in Illinois we are finally going to have Track & Field again! We are going to be able to start coaching our kids again! I am so excited to start doing that again.
After all this time I finally have some good information to send to you guys. The Illinois Track & Cross Country Coaches Association is having their yearly coaches clinic from Thursday March 18th until Sunday March 21st this year. The clinic is an online virtual clinic that you will be able to watch & ask questions live. You will also be able to view the presentations for many weeks afterwards. This clinic is open to everyone, not just Illinois coaches. The throws portion of this clinic is the most outstanding line up I think you are ever going to find. Check it out!
Rene’ Sack: German National Throws Coach:
The glide shot put lives! At last week’s European Indoor Championships, four of the top six finishers were gliders, including Germany’s Sara Gambetta. This year’s virtual ITCCCA clinic will feature Sara’s coach, René Sack, himself a former world class glider.
Nobody knows glide shot putting like the Germans, and this is a unique opportunity to learn from a coach who knows the German approach to the glide inside and out. René will present on Saturday, March 20th at 10:40am CST. Attendees will be able to submit questions throughout this live production, and will also have access to a recorded version on Coachtube for a limited time. Speaking of Coachtube, you can currently purchase a talk the René gave last summer on the discus. That presentation may be found here.
Maggie Ewen: Multiple NCAA Champion & World Class Shot Putter:
Maggie Ewen, arguably the greatest thrower in NCAA history (she won, over the course of her career, the shot, disc, and hammer) and fresh off a PB shot put toss of 19.54m, will present at this year’s ITCCCA Virtual Clinic. On Saturday, March 20th at 9:00am CST, Maggie will discuss “Physical Preparation for the Throws.” In that talk, Maggie will describe the methods she used in high school and beyond to build the power output necessary to make an implement go far. On Sunday, March 21st, also at 9:00am, Maggie will present on her “Shot Put and Discus Journey.” In this session, she will examine her technique development over the years in each event. Attendees will be able to submit questions throughout these live presentations, and will also–for a limited time–have access to a replay on Coachtube.
Jeff Rebholz: Illinois State University Throws Coach:
Coach Rebholz, the outstanding throws coach at Illinois State University, will present at the 2021 ITCCCA Virtual Throws Clinic. Jeff’s session will take place on Friday, March 19th at 6:00pm CST. Jeff will speak on rotational shot putting technique. His primary focus will be explaining the methods he uses to to transition a putter from the glide to rotational technique. Jeff’s session will provide valuable insight for coaches at any level who want to teach sound technique to an athlete new to the rotational style. Attendees will be able to submit questions throughout this live presentation, and will be given access–for a limited time–to a video replay on Coachtube.
Olympian Andy Bloom & his coach Scott Bennett:
Olympian (and one of the greatest shot/disc combo throwers in history) Andy Bloom will join the man who coached him to throwing greatness, Scott Bennett, for two sessions at this year’s clinic. On Thursday, March 18th at 7:40pm CST, Andy and Scott will reveal their insights into rotational shot putting. They will return on Friday, March 19th, also at 7:40pm CST to discuss discus technique. Each session will feature substantial use of video to illustrate drills and technical points. Attendees will be able to submit questions throughout these live presentations and will also–for a limited time–enjoy access to a video replay via Coachtube.
Suzy Powell-Roos 3X Olympian & Throws Coach:
Suzy Powell is one of the most decorated female discus throwers in American history. She is a 3x Olympian and former American record-holder with a PR of 69.44m/227’9.” A product of the great UCLA throwing program, Suzy has been ranked among the top 10 discus throwers in the world numerous times. Currently she coaches throws at Modesto Junior College in Modesto California. Suzy will present at this year’s ITCCCA Virtual Clinic on Thursday, March 18th at 6:00pm CST. Suzy’s talk is titled, “Throw Like a Girl—A systematic approach to learning and coaching the discus throw.” Attendees will be able to submit questions throughout this live presentation and will also–for a limited time–have access to a video replay via Coachtube.
Vésteinn Hafsteinsson Gerd Kanter & Daniel Ståhl’s coach:
Vésteinn Hafsteinsson is the most successful discus coach in the history of the sport. Under his guidance, Gerd Kanter won gold at the 2007 World Championships and 2008 Olympics. Daniel Ståhl became his second World Champion in Doha in 2019. Vésteinn also coached shot putter Joachim Olsen to a silver medal in the 2004 Olympics, and currently trains Sweden’s Fanny Roos, one of the best young putters in the world.
If you haven’t yet signed up for the online virtual ITCCCA Clinic get signed up! You don’t want to miss this opportunity. Follow the link below to get signed up.
This clinic will be a great way to get the season started!
You’ll be hearing from me again as the season gets closer.
Jim Aikens
THROWS NEWS YOU CAN USE by Jim Aikens
Dear Fellow Throws Enthusiast:
It was great seeing many of you at the ITCCCA clinic this past weekend. Catching up with old friends and making new ones is one of the things I most enjoy about the clinic. I thought former Illinois state champion and now BIG 10 Throws Coach from Nebraska Scott Cappos did a great job sharing his coaching knowledge with all of us. Also, giving some great insight into many aspects of the throws was Dane Miller from Throws University and Garage Strength. If you haven’t yet filled out an evaluation of their presentations could you please do so now at the link below. Both the presenters & ITCCCA find these evaluations very helpful.
Evaluation Links: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdk5Uvbf-OjEeLGA986HumiiSbi3cTB6qSvJGFTlANBxRNJ9g/viewform
Check out Coach Scott Cappos’ Throwers on Instagram @Cornthrowers they post some great videos of the Nebraska throwers. Also listed below is a direct link to all the PowerPoints on the talks that Coach Cappos gave.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Uczz6Fgn0F6fmFDsxNc1nGCU-AhLMe5s
You also need to check out the website that Coach Dane Miller has put together. He has some great resources on the page. Included, are links you can follow Throws University & Garage Strength on Instagram and Twitter from this page. The link to his page is: https://www.throwsuniversity.com
PowerPoints on the talks that Coach Miller gave.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-Wks5rbFqPQo5n8hUOVY7UkbI8pPdx9t
Clinic opportunities for Athletes & Coaches:
A-Z Learn By Doing Throws Clinic is on Sunday, January 26th 2020 @ Wheaton North H.S. in Wheaton, Illinois:
If you haven’t been to the A-Z Throws clinic you don’t know what you’re missing. This clinic has been running for over 15 years. Multiple state medalist have attended this clinic over the years. The great thing about this clinic is the excellent coach to athlete ratio. On average there is one coach to every 5 athletes. The throws coaches who volunteer to work this clinic are some of the best in the state of Illinois. Your athletes and you will experience some major hands on coaching. The cost of the clinic is $65 for advance registration and $75 at the door. Register at: https://forms.gle/jr8gUG41DU6PZaCp9
National Throws Coaches Association Throw & Learn Camp, February 16th @ Burlington Central H.S. in Burlington, Illinois :
This camp will be like no other you have attended! It will be tailored more to what individual throwers and coaches need in order to help make them successful. This camp will use video to help analyze what is needed to improve your throw. The athletes at this clinic will be throwing shots and discus’. The clinic will be directed by Coach Jim Aikens (Fremd HS & Burlington Central HS.) and Coach Scott Bennett who has been coaching the field events for over 40 years. He has coached five Olympians (1 gold medalist), National Champions, Olympic Trial Winners, NCAA Champions and many more. He has coached on the Division 1 and Division 3 levels as well as the high school level. He has developed a great system for teaching & correcting throwing technique. The cost of he clinic is $70 for advance registration & $80 day of if spots are available. Link to flyer and registration directions:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b0lC_1RJ5Zk0TCnrdevyi_oU0aOOo2AA/view?usp=sharing
University of Wisconsin 1 day Throws Camps:
There is a great opportunity for throwers in the Northern portion of Illinois. U of W Madison is offering a series of 1 day throws camps. I have heard nothing but good things about these camps. Coach Astrauskas and his staff do a great job working with the athletes. For details and registration go to: http://www.uwcamps.com/sport.aspx?id=29
Bureau Valley Coaches Clinic:
This is a great clinic that Dale Donner has built. Unfortunately, Dale is retiring and this is the final clinic. I am honored to be speaking on the shot put & discus at this clinic. If you are interested here is the information link: http://www.bickettdonnerhelms.com/clinic/BVclinic20.pdf
Throws Coaches Paid Job Oppenings:
South Elgin H.S.:
The South Elgin Boys Track and Field Team is looking for an Assistant Coach with experience in Throws, with a team focus in strength and conditioning. Stipend is available based on experience. Please contact Head Coach Anthony LaRue anthonylarue@u-46.orgor (630) 253-4941 for any interest or questions.
Illinois Institute of Technology:
– Attend 2-3 practices per week to work with 3-5 throwers
– Attend all meets (7-8 indoors/outdoors)
– Handle recruiting with prospective student-athletes interested in Track & Field and the throwing events
This is a PAID position! If interested, please email Head Coach Tyler McQuality at jmcquality@iit.edu
Mather H.S.:
Mather High School in Chicago is seeking assistant track coaches for the 2020 season. The team is in need of coaches in the areas of sprints, jumps and throws. However candidates interested in distance are also welcome.
The Mather team is co-ed. These are paid positions. Coach would have the opportunity to have a significant positive impact on the lives of student athletes!
If interested please email Co-Head Coaches Makenzie Carr (mscarr@cps.edu) and Joe Sullivan (jtsullivan3@cps.edu).
Saint Francis H.S. Wheaton, IL:
Saint Francis College Prep H.S. is looking for a throws coach. This coach would be coaching both boys and girls. If you are interested contact Head Coach Mike Prizy at mprizy@sfhscollegeprep.org
Resources:
Dan McQuaid from Wheaton North H.S. has finished his third article on the throws from the World Championships in Doha. It is a great read! Check it out at. http://mcthrows.com/?p=2802
Dan has been publishing throwing articles for over 20 years. He was a contributing author to The Long & Strong Throwers Journal for many years. Several issues are published on the website. When that publication stopped, he started this blog and has been going strong ever since. You can read all his articles on www.mcthrows.com. You can also enroll at this website to get automatic updates when articles are published.
Finally, (Man this is a long newsletter) for those of you who have received this newsletter in the past you already have received the link to these resources.
Great Resource for Throws Coaches: Some of you may remember back at the ITCCCA clinic in 2016 I created a google share drive folder called “ITCCCA Sharing Session 2016”. This folder has materials that were shared by many throws coaches in Illinois. If you haven’t checked this out I highly suggest you do. You will not be disappointed: I have changed the settings so that anyone with a link can view the material.
Link to Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-I1FSfUvJkuX1AtaFBNZHo5UkU?usp=sharing
PS. If there is any news you would like to publicize let me know. I will get it out on the next newsletter.
Also, if I can help you with questions or resources please feel free to email me at Coachaikens@gmail.com
Burlington Central NTCA Learn By Doing Throws Clinic on Feb 16, 2020
Don’t miss this learn by doing throws clinic lead by Coach Scott Bennett and Coach Jim Aikens to be held at the Burlington Central HS Field House, a great facility.
Further details and registration information are in the link below.
Ryan Whiting’s Learn By Doing Throws Camp on December 14-15, 2019 at Burlington Central HS
Hello Everyone,
As you may have heard Burlington Central High School is hosting National Indoor Champion Chase Ealey and the rest of the Throws Lab staff will be there as well. Check out the attached flyer and feel free to copy it and give it to your throwers and fellow coaches. This is for athlete and coaches. I suggest you sign up sooner rather than later since there are a limited number of spots. The link to the registration site is below.
Hope all of you are having a great Summer.
Jim Aikens
Throws Coach
Burlington Central High School
Throws News You Can Use
Hello Everyone,
I hope all who attended this years ITCCCA Clinic enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. For those of you who missed it you missed a good one. Ryan Whiting did an amazing job presenting his progression on how he teaches the rotational shot and discus. His learn by doing sessions were excellent. You can check out Ryan’s website at https://www.deserthighperformance.com/ Feel free to contact Ryan if you have further questions about his presentation.
Nick Garcia from Notre Dame High School in California gave some great insights to training throwers. Nick’s presentations were really helpful in gaining some great insights into training. Be sure to check out Coach Garcia’s website for more information regarding his training at http://www.hmmrmedia.com/. Be sure to contact Nick if you have further questions regarding his presentations.
Scott Bennett gave a great presentation on a simplified way to teach rotational throwing. He is currently with Madison Throws club in Middleton, Wisc. Check him out on Instagram at @coachbennett88. Be sure to contact Coach Bennett if you have further questions regarding his presentation at bennettscott2@gmail.com.
All the speakers were talking about the benefits of throwing heavy implements. If you attended the clinic or even if you didn’t, Justin Rodhe https://www.rodhesport.com/pages/about-us, who represented Canada in the 2012 Olympics and was a 21+ meter shot putter, sells some tremendous products for throwing such as throwing straps and throwing gloves that help support the wrist when throwing heavy. Attached is a flyer that gives you a 20% discount with the code on the flyer. Be sure to check it out. Rodhe Sport Brochure
Finally don’t forget the A-Z Throwers Clinic is coming up fast! It will be held this year on Sunday, January 27th at Wheaton North High School. Again this year there are about 20 area coaches who have volunteered their time to work with your throwers. It is a hands on learn by doing experience with a 1 coach to 5 kids ratio. Coaches are welcome also and encouraged to ask questions and take video. Get signed up at http://itccca.com/clinics/a-z-throwers-clinic/
Looking forward to the start of another great season! Good Luck and if any of you have anything I can help you with please do not hesitate to contact me.
Jim Aikens
Throws Coach Burlington Central H.S.
Jim Aikens Throws Newsletter – Upcoming Clinics
Hello Everyone,
It won’t be long until the indoor track season is upon us. With that in mind there are a couple of key things that you as a throws coach might want to be aware of.
1. The annual ITCCCA Clinic will be on Friday & Saturday January 11th & 12th. The throws line up is AWESOME! This year Ryan Whiting a World Champion shot putter and multiple NCAA champion in the shot and discus will be presenting. Also presenting is Nick Garcia who is one of the most successful high school throws coaches in California. He has coached multiple champions in state and national championships. Finally Scott Bennett who has coached multiple champions including Andy Bloom and Aretha Hill will also be presenting. Get signed up for the clinic ASAP! it will b here before you know it. Go to http://itccca.com/january-clinic/ to get signed up.
2. The A-Z Throws Clinic will be held on January 27th at Wheaton North High School. This is the premier throws clinic in the state of Illinois. The coach to athlete ratio is the best you are going to find . It is 5 athletes to every coach. Some of the best throws coaches in Illinois work this event. Get yourselves and your kids signed up as soon as possible. Go to http://itccca.com/clinics/a-z-throwers-clinic/ to get signed up.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving but do not wait on these great opportunities!
Thanks,
Jim Aikens
Throws Coach Burlington Central High School
Grand Valley State Track & Field Camps
Grand Valley State Throws & Weight training Clinic & Indoor National Discus Competition. December 16th & 17th
Grand Valley State Track & Field Camps
Elite Weight Training Seminar
Olympic Weight Lifting, Triphasic Training and Special Strength applications from USA Weight Lifting Coach Dane Miller, World Class Hammer Thrower Sean Donnelly and Olympic Shot Putter Justin Rodhe.
| December 16th |
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Who: High School, College, Post Collegiate Athletes & Coaches
Check-In: 2:45 PM Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Cost: $150 Location: Odie Weight Room/Football Stadium Limited Spots Available: First Come, First Serve. Coaches Welcome to Register as well.  Registration inculdes 1 shirt per person and 1 meal per day. |
Throwing Specials:
Sunday AM+PM+Discus = $125
Lifting Seminar+PM = $175
Lifting Seminar+AM = $225
Lifting+AM+PM+Competitions = $250
Running Specials:
BIG Hurdles+BIG Sprints+Discus = $125
Lifting Seminar+BIG Sprints = $175
Lifting Seminar+BIG Hurdles = $225
Lifting+BIG Hurdles+Big Sprints+Competitions = $250
Group Rates (3+) Available, Contact Coach Denard at denards@gvsu.edu
Grand Valley State Track & Field Camps
BIG Throws AM Clinic
The Third Annual GVSU BIG Throws Clinic will feature the same great lineup which brought in over 130 attendees a year ago; the camp will also feature an elite and open discus competition. Last year this Competition feature 2 Olympians, the NCAA Record Holder and the NACAC Champion among many other Olympic Trials/USA Competitors, NCAA All-Americans and High School State Champions from across the Midwest.
Throws will be coached By GVSU Throws Coach Sean Denard, Olympic Shot Putter Justin Rodhe, USA 3rdPlace Finisher in the Hammer and Weight Throw Sean Donnelly and Garage Strength/USA Junior Weight Lifting Coach Dane Miller, among others.
AM Clinic includes 2 one hour throwing sessions and 2 one hour classroom sessions. Events in all throwing sessions are athletes choice
| December 17th |
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Check-In: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Cost: $100
Location: Kelly Family Sports Center Limited Spots Available: First Come, First Serve. Coaches welcome to register as well. **Includes Camp T-Shirt and One Meal**
|
Specials:
Sunday AM+PM+Discus = $125
Lifting Seminar+PM = $175
Lifting Seminar+AM = $225
Lifting+AM+PM+Competitions = $250
Group Rates (3+) Available, Contact Coach Denard at denards@gvsu.edu
A-Z THROWERS CLINIC FOR BOTH ATHLETES & COACHES
A-Z THROWERS CLINIC FOR BOTH ATHLETES & COACHES
JANUARY 28TH @ WHEATON NORTH H.S.
TO REGISTER FOR THE CLINIC CLICK THE A-Z CLINIC LINK: A-Z Clinic.
The A-Z Throws Clinic, formerly held at Harper College, will take place at Wheaton North High School on Sunday, January 28, 2018.
The clinic will feature expert instruction in the glide shot, the rotational shot, and the discus.
All high school throwers, male and female, are welcome as are coaches who would like to observe the clinic.
Here is the clinic schedule:
9:30-10:00 Check-in
10:00-11:00 Shot Put (athletes may choose glide or rotational)
11:10-12:10 Discus
12:20-1:20 Athlete’s choice. Throwers can choose to spend this time receiving additional instruction in the glide shot, rotational shot, or discus.
The cost of the clinic for athletes and coaches is $50.00 for those who pay in advance, $60.00 for those who pay at the door.
Note: The price of the clinic includes a very stylish t-shirt, but in order to be guaranteed a shirt, payment must be received by January 15.
TO REGISTER FOR THE CLINIC CLICK THE A-Z CLINIC LINK: A-Z Clinic.
Questions? Contact Dan McQuaid at daniel.mcquaid@cusd200.org