I am curious to what the correct behavior modification strategy is for a child who goes into screaming fits, throws toys at you, chairs, books punches walls and doors. I don't like the spanking option but I have tried time out, walking away and other strategies and it goes on forever it seems more violent each time. Child is 4, has routine, structure, rewards consequences. So someone please tell me what is my next step. Sometimes I think the way my parents punished me may be what I need to do but I swore I would find a better way.

Perhaps (and most importantly) shield them from their guardian's raised hands as well.

Child buttock-battering for the purpose of gaining compliance is nothing more than an inherited bad habit.
Its a good idea for people to take a look at what they are doing and learn how to DISCIPLINE instead of hit.
I think the reason why television shows like "Supernanny" and "Dr. Phil" are so popular is because many (not all) people are trying to do just that.
There are several reasons why child buttock-battering isn't a good idea. Here are some good quick reads recommended by professionals: Plain Talk About Spanking
by Jordan Riak The Sexual Dangers of Spanking Children
by Tom Johnson NO VITAL ORGANS THERE, So They Say
by Lesli Taylor M.D. and Adah Maurer Ph.D.

I find it rather amusing that we are still going around in circles about the issue of whether to spank or not to spank.
And in regards to the comment about "kids these days" - sorry, but it's right on target. I hear it all the time.
Children today have no respect for their parents. Children don't need us to be their friends, they need us to give them Boundaries, a safe place to live, responsibility, chores, and most importantly LOVE. Children MUST know they are LOVED - even if they do something wrong.
What I see in my own neighborhood are "Tweens" with nothing to do. I never had that option when I was growing up. I had an endless list of chores to do and only on Saturday did I have the option of going out with a friend. And forget about "driving" to school - that, again, was not an option.
I also see a total lack of respect for authority; vulgar language, and apathy for everything.
No one expects us as parents to be perfect and unless you are willing to sign up for all the parenting classes that your children come with . . . when something really bad does happen (and bad things do happen occasionally) who are you going to blame? Society? Your job? Your co-workers? Your spouse? Who's going to pick up the pieces? To Spank or not to spank - it begins with giving children Boundaries - and then following through. English Lesson: There: A place. We are going over there.
Their: Shows possession: This is their house.
They're: Contraction. They are going home. Sorry - I suffer from Perfectionism. Results of being expected to be perfect when I was younger.

Its very tempting to justify the continuation of something our conscience VERY CLEARLY indicates is wrong by scapegoating "kids today". This tendency goes back almost as far as written language itself (as we have inscriptions to this effect on tablets). Are the social maladies of the day really worse than, say, burning witches at the stake, slavery, oppression of women, "colored" and "white" sections of restaurants, bathrooms, drinking fountains, etc....?