Over the shoulder casts are one of those movements that look simple until you try to make them look clean. There’s the basic pattern… and then there are the small nuances that give your swing more control, more intention, and yes, a little bit of style.
As a team that uses the mace primarily for strength and conditioning, we don’t spend much time in the “flow” realm, but we also appreciate skill. When there’s a way to refine a movement and make it feel better in your hands, we’re all about it. That’s exactly what this video covers.
Putting More Into Your Bottom Hand
Most people think of the cast as a pure upper-arm move. In reality, your bottom hand plays a huge role in how smoothly the mace launches up and over your shoulder.
A helpful cue is to think about digging with a shovel. As you cast the mace upward, that bottom hand pushes and guides the path of the head. It gives the swing lift, direction, and a touch of control right before it drops behind you.
This also helps you “stall” the mace for a brief moment. There’s no functional requirement to do this. It just looks cool and teaches you better timing and handle awareness.
Small Variations to Play With
Once you get that bottom hand engagement dialed in, you can start having fun with variations like:
• A subtle, smooth over- he shoulder launch
• A slightly exaggerated stall before the swing
• Transitioning right into single arm work
• Practicing both directions for balanced coordination
None of this is complicated. It’s simply the next layer of refinement once you already have a solid swing foundation.
Why This Matters
Better grip engagement equals better control. Better control equals cleaner reps. Cleaner reps equal a stronger understanding of how lever length and timing work together… and that’s the foundation of all mace training.
If you try these tips with your CK mace or club, tag us on Instagram @ck_maceworks and let us know how it feels. We love seeing how people develop their own style within solid, functional technique.
More videos coming soon. Keep swinging.