OCS question: footwork on mills

[Connie Brown]

I noticed at least two different foot-planting styles during the mills.

One style has the feet planted at all times like what I imagine KB lifts require (never seen em) or like the Highland heavy event weight-for-height.

The other style I saw was one where the heels were lifted like a pitcher would. In other words the motion was as if the CBs were being pitched during the inward pendulum part of the mill.

Any comments?

[bombero]

I'm not an expert, but I've done it both ways. Moving my feet is the more natural of the two and consequently the best way for me. I feel as if I get into more of a rhythm and get a better workout when I let my feet "get happy".

Steve Gillett

[Doug Szolek]

I know I like a wide "dug-in" stance for my Mills to support and counter-balance the lateral swing of the weight.

My Mills tend to pass tightly through my front and back planes across my legs and behind my back so this for me mandates a sturdy base.

There were other styles demonstrated at the competition where the Clubbell traveled more at an angle to the these planes and I think that accounts for the ability to have the increased mobility.

And there are probably other factors to this such as my background in grappling leading to very rooted foot work style were as Brandon's background in boxing perhaps leading to a more mobile footing. But this is more speculation than anything. Different strokes I guess...

[Scott Sonnon]

Connie,

If you remember the difference isn't so much footwork, but bodywork. The group could be divided into those who used the heel-stomp (such as Brandon) and those who used the hip-sway (such as myself). Both contribute to the locomotion of the weight, but it's impossible to execute both techniques simultaneously for obvious reasons. The beauty of the sport is the wide-range of potential styles.