How do I throw a steer correctly and what are the most common technique errors?

The throw in steer wrestling is the culminating movement of the run — the moment where the wrestler redirects the steer's momentum to bring it to the ground with all four feet off the ground simultaneously. A correct throw happens quickly, cleanly, and without excessive struggle, and it is the product of correct body position throughout the approach, a secure catch on the initial contact, and the application of technique rather than brute force in the throwing movement. The mechanics of the throw begin with the wrestler's body position after the catch — hips low, feet planted for leverage, and the steer's head controlled through the horn and nose position that the wrestler's arm and hand establish at the moment of contact. A high-body position after the catch eliminates the leverage advantage that a low, planted position provides, making the throw a strength contest rather than a technique application. The actual throwing motion redirects the steer's forward momentum laterally by lifting and turning the head simultaneously — the horn catch provides upward leverage on the steer's head while the nose position controls the direction of that turn. When executed correctly, the steer's own momentum carries it through the throw rather than the wrestler having to lift the entire weight of the animal against gravity. The most common technique errors in steer wrestling are catching too high on the horn rather than at the base, standing too upright after the catch rather than establishing a low, planted position, and attempting to throw before the wrestler's feet are positioned for leverage. Each of these errors makes the throw a strength contest rather than a technique application, and correcting them through deliberate repetition with a coach who can observe the mechanics produces improvement that strength training alone cannot achieve.