Personal views of Ed Loranger.                                 Sept. 23, 1997

I throw the turn and 3/4 (1-3/4), from 40 feet.  If I threw from
30 feet, I'd throw the 1-1/4 turn shoe.

Here's what I've learned from books, and experienced horseshoe pitchers,
as well as practical experience:

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First: Turn, Aim, and Timing (TAT)  As in Tit for Tat.
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Turn:  It is natural and depends on a smooth transition where you
take the shoe from a vertical position behind the back, just past the
knee, and gently roll your entire are ending up eye-level with the
shoe flat, thumb pointing away and to the side.  You don't push or
throw with the shoe -- you let it go.  There is no motion with the
hand to the right or left, just out.


It is important to treat the shoe as a VERY heavy object, one that
cannot be overpowered.  Treat it such that you cannot change its
path by any sudden speed changes.  Back and forth, one motion, one
speed.   You can't allow yourself to impart any last-second jerks,
twists, etc.  If the shoe is improperly released at the end of the
forward stroke, just let it go.  Repair of improper technique begins
much earlier in the backswing and learning to smoothly turn the shoe
from vertical to flat.

Aim)  Right or left or center?  We all throw to the side now and
then.  I find that this is remedied with concentration.  Also,
many seem to aim at the end of the throw.  I find you should be on
target from the backswing -- aim is destined.  If you pull back on
the shoe, it should be on target during the back swing well before
you carry it forward.  Work on pre-destined aiming.  Anything at
the end is a check on what "you did", not what you can change.

Timing:  Find your trigger points.  The peak of the backswing.  It is
a repeatable measurement, one you can return to when trouble strikes.
It is found where the shoe suddenly has no weight.  Like your first
time on a swingset.  On the swingset you can't keep going if you 
lean back too early or late.  Find this spot in your backswing.  It
is very late.  Almost uncomfortable waiting for the shoe to get there.
Tendency is to pull forward and hurry the backswing.  

It is at the peak of the backswing when you take a normal walking step
toward your target.  Shoulder remain even and parallel to the ground.
Eye is on the stake about 8 inches above the clay.  The forward
swing should maintain shoe speed, not impart additional velocity.

As the shoe just passes your knee, rotate your entire arm,  not just
the wrist.  Your thumb shoud go up and toward the outside of your body.
When the shoe is nearly stomach high, begin a slight rise with the
body and shoulders as a unit, with the arm going out and up to eye
level.  The shoe is almost stopped here as you let go.  Continue
a follow thru exactly at the stake, not right or left.  Your rear
leg should be directly behind you and the shoe should have been 
released in-line with your body center-line.  "Throw from the Heart!"
If you throw from the side, you lose much power and will throw short.
Arc of shoe should peak about 1 to 2 feet above your head on its
journey to the target.

More later.  Comments accepted.

Ed Loranger