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Horseshoes is a popular backyard, recreational and tournament game. It involves throwing horseshoes toward a small post for points, where the point value is based on how close the horseshoe lands to the post. Why Play Horseshoes? EXERCISE: Throwing, bending, walking MAKING FRIENDS: COMPETITION: Can be fun or as serious as you want. AGE/GENDER: There’s no advantage of being young or old, male or female.
The game of horseshoes is thought to have descended from the ancient Greek sport of the discus throw. The story is that Greeks developed a sport where the discus was thrown at a stake. But many of the poorer people could not afford the discus so they used cast off horseshoes instead. Horseshoes in the United States was probably played by Union soldiers during the American Civil War playing the game with the discarded shoes of mules. The first world championship of horseshoe pitching took place in 1910 in Bronson, Kansas. It is estimated that more than 10 million people play horseshoes every year.
This game often is played with just two players (singles version). However, people also may play horseshoes with teams. This version of horseshoes is called doubles. It has most of the same rules as singles horseshoes, with some minor differences. The Pitching Court is 27 feet from foul line to stake/post. Before game play, player or teams must flip a coin. The player or team that wins the flip decides whether they want to pitch first or second. (Wasatch PE class –do rock paper scissors) in order to determine who throws first.
Play begins with one (pitcher) standing on the platform (starting spot) and throwing one horseshoe at the post. Next player repeats his throw. First player then throws his 2nd horseshoe at the post and the 2nd player then throws his 2nd horseshoe at the post. Shoes aren't to be moved until points have been scored.
The goal is to either "ring" the • pin with the shoe or land as • close as possible. A horseshoe that encircles the pin is called a "ringer" and is worth three points. One point is awarded to the player whose shoe is within 6 inches (or width of horseshoe) of the pin if there are no ringers. Two points are awarded if one player's shoes are closer to the pin than his opponent's. Leaners are worth two points. If throws are identical, the points cancel out each other.
Players generally pitch until one acquires 40 points and wins the game. Players agree on points awarded. Games are usually played to 40 points. (Wasatch PE- play to 20 points, First player or team to reach 20 points wins. In the event of a tie, player or teams must play one extra set of throws. Etiquette: Stand quietly, 2 feet behind opposite platform when not pitching. Be a good sport— win or lose. Encourage and help each other to learn and enjoy the game.
3 GRIPs 3/4, Flip or Reverse 3/4 Flip 3/4 Reverse 3/4 Horseshoe Pitching Clinic
Prepare to pitch • STANCE: Placement of feet: side by side, or left foot in front,or in back of right. • Good balance • Allow for one step, and enough roomso foul line won’t be stepped on. • Preparing to pitch. • Getting comfortable with good balance. • Stare at the stake. • Take Aim. • Take a deep breath. • Block out distractions. Horseshoe Pitching Clinic
Front Swing of your Arm The swing forward should bring the shoe to eye level and is usually shoulder high, in-line with the stake, in front of you. Distance can vary up and down on the stake if you are in-line constantly. Horseshoe Pitching Clinic
Back Swing of the Arm • The backswing is the beginning of the step, delivery, and follow through. Weight should be distributed equally between the two feet in such a way that the pitcher feels perfectly balanced. The weight must shift to the right foot as the step begins toward the target stake just as though the pitcher were starting to walk. The knees bend and the pitcher leans forward as the backswing begins. The arm and the shoe should fall freely and close to the leg and should define an arc which is in line with the target stake. • Any length of backswing will be satisfactory. The height of the back swing is usually when your arm is parallel to the ground or comfortably behind you. Horseshoe Pitching Clinic
Release and Lift • At the height of the front swing, shoulder high, let go of the shoe. Elbow should bend as arm goes up. No stiff arm release. • The shoe will not turn at all if you hold it level and release it without dragging your fingers and/or rolling your forearm. A higher shoe is better than a low shoe. You always have a chance of catching the stake with a high shoe. Don’t be short. Horseshoe Pitching Clinic
The follow through is important because it is here where the finishing touch is put on the pitch. Once you have turned the shoe loose, its fate is decided. The shoe goes exactly where you pitch it. The lift of the shoe must come from the whole body as the knees straighten, rather from too much arm motion. The height of the shoe should vary from seven to ten feet. The shoe should not be gripped too tightly. The more simple the delivery, the less chance for error. Follow Through
