Event descriptor The javelin throw is a track and field athletics throwing event where the object to be thrown is the javelin, a spear approximately 2.5 meters in length. Bantam and Midget Throwers throw the 300 gram plastic Turbo Javelin. Youth Throwers throw the 600 gram javelin. Instead of being confined to a circle, javelin throwers are provided with a runway 4 meters wide and at least 30 meters in length, ending in a curved arc from which their throw will be measured; athletes typically use this distance to gain momentum in a “run-up” to their throw. Like the other throwing events, the competitor may not leave the throwing area (the runway) until after the implement lands. The need to come to a stop behind the throwing arc limits both how close the athlete can come to the line before the release as well as the maximum speed achieved at the time of release.*
History The javelin throw has the greatest connection to warfare of all the Olympic events. During the era between the Mycenaean times and the Roman Empire, the javelin was a commonly used offensive weapon. Being lighter than the spear, the javelin would be thrown rather than thrust and thus allowed long distance attacks against one’s enemy. Athletes, however, used javelins that were much lighter than military ones because the idea of the event was to demonstrate distance rather than penetration.*
Phase breakdown The Javelin consists of 5 phases: The starting positions or grip, the run, the crossover, the delivery, and the reverse.
Training goals by phase
The Grip-We will teach the ‘American’ grip. Holding the Javelin with the palm up at shoulder height.
The Run- gathering speed while carrying the javelin comfortably and easily
The Cross over-dropping the javelin to the throwing position while entering cross run stage
The Delivery-Throwing the javelin from a fully extended arm, over the front leg, pushing with back leg
The Reverse-Bringing the push leg forward to stop forward momentum after the throw.
Training techniques
The Grip-Teach the American grip, but are willing to use other techniques as athletes needs require
The Run- Practice carrying the javelin evenly and comfortably
The Cross over-will progress from one step crossovers to 5 step crossovers
The Delivery-Practice throwing balls and javelins at stationary targets
The Reverse-as comfort with the crossover and throw progresses we will work to post throwing position of push foot forward and throwing arm low.
Training Theory While the Javelin at the Olympic level consists of at least 7 running steps and 5 cross over steps, we will modify this to fit the need of the Junior Olympian. We will focus on the carry, release and reverse in our training.
Links
JAVELIN TECHNIQUE AND TRAINING
Video
Dropping Javelin to throwing position
Misc. Adult women throw the 600gr javelin and adult males throw the 800gr javelin.
