In earlier distance lessons you learned to step back on 1 to close your hips. It put you in an uncomfortable position reaching and stretching back holding the disc, just itching to move to 2.

This position is uncomfortable because it is an isolated moment of a movement that takes place during big distance throws called the X Step. The X step is similar a crow hop from baseball and, like a crow hop, it prepares you in terms of timing and position to deliver power to your target. Most people either find it easy to do or they don’t. Position 1 is essentially the halfway point of the X Step. It’s the point of no return.

Starting with the Finish

In teaching this skill, we have made a decision to focus on the foundational balance of the body, weight back, in order to ensure that your hips are working properly. Step 1 or Position 1 is reached by stepping iback with the front foot and reaching back with the hands.

We are backchaining this skill, starting one step away from the finish and then falling into the correct behavior. This position makes it highly likely that proper technique will be employed from the get go. This takes that “either you find it easy or you don’t” out of the early learning portion of the skill. You learn the position in the 4 step exercise, and use the position with the two step. It’s an anchor point of your technique.

Finding 1

When you walk forward and find 1, it’s going to be goofy. Don’t sweat it, I taught it to you backwards for crying out loud!
Just take your time and once you find 1, just stop and breathe. Then finish the throw in the 2 Step for a few reps.
Once you’re comfortable finding 1, you can start to blow right through it without the pauses.

About Ron Watson

An accomplished dog trainer, dog sport coach and dog behavior expert, Ron Watson of PVybe spends every minute he can collaborating with dog lovers all over the world.

Specializing in canine performance, learning theory and behavior, Ron along with the fabulous Apryl Lea, run real world and online seminars as well as personal training, clinics, and Hangouts.

He lives to talk dogs, so go ahead and ask Ron a question via our contact page, Facebook or on Google+.

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