Javelin The history of Javelin, how to put it to good use

and the Dos and Don’ts of it. By: Blue House

Monday, 14 January, 13

History of JavelinDuring 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. The one major difference between the javelin of the ancient games and the javelin of more modern times is a leather thong, called an ankyle that was wound around the middle of the shaft. Athletes would hold the javelin by the thong and when the javelin released this thong unwound giving the javelin a spiraled flight.

The javelin throw has a particularly strong tradition in the Nordic nations of Europe. Of the 69 Olympic medals that have been awarded in the men's javelin, 32 have gone to competitors from Norway, Sweden, or Finland.[3] Finland is the only nation to have ever swept the medals at a currently recognized official Olympics, and has done so twice, in 1920 and 1932. (However, Sweden swept the first four places at the 1906 Intercalated Games. Finland's 1920 sweep also featured an additional fourth place finish. Sweeping the first four places is no longer possible, as only three entrants per country are allowed.) In 1912, Finland also swept the medals in the only appearance in the Olympics of two-handed javelin, an event in which the implement was separately thrown with both the right hand and the left hand and the marks were added together. Quite popular in Finland and Sweden at the time, this event soon faded into obscurity, together with similar variations of the shot and the discus.

Monday, 14 January, 13

How to throw a Javelin right

Things You'll Need

1 Javelin2 Athletic shoes

Determine the style of grip you wish to use to hold and throw the javelin. Choose between the American style, where the javelin cord is gripped between thumb and forefinger; Finnish style where you use your thumb and middle finger; or Fork style, gripping between your index and two middle fingers. Experiment using the three different grip styles until you find one that one is most comfortable and effective for you.

Hold the javelin aloft over your shoulder, parallel to the ground, using your chosen grip and ensuring your palm faces the sky. Wait until you are two steps from the line to draw the javelin back behind your shoulder.The javelin is held between the index and middle fingers behind the cord. The position of the fingers assists the throwing arm in staying at shoulder height during the approach.

Monday, 14 January, 13

The ‘Dos’ of Javelin

Take the "Approach Run." After you've practiced this a while, the approach run can take 13 to 17 steps. The run-up is shorter for inexperienced throwers.

1 Keep your hips high and run on the heels of your feet.2 Let your free arm swing more across the body.3 Flex the arm carrying the javelin to fix its position.

Monday, 14 January, 13

The Dos of JavelinPerform the "Withdrawal." It's a good idea to use a check mark to note where this phase starts, beginning with the right foot and lasting about two strides. It's important to make sure that this movement doesn't harm your momentum.

10 1) Upon reaching the check mark, speed a little bit ahead of the javelin instead of pushing your shoulders and the javelin backward (try to relax arm and shoulder allowing javelin to reach the point of full arm extension and fully rotated shoulder).

11 2) Keep your head facing the way you're throwing.12 3) Keep your hips at right angles to the running direction.13 4) Shift your right leg forward and up to help keep hips in proper position.

Monday, 14 January, 13

The Dos of JavelinDo the "cross-over". This is where you achieve the javelin tossers' "lean-back" by putting your right foot ahead of the center of gravity.

6 Keep the right foot close to the ground.7 Let the right heel touch the ground.8 As the right foot moves forward, move the left foot up and lean your trunk

at a 115-degree angle backward. This phase is finished when the right foot is on the ground and the left leg is forward and elevated.

Monday, 14 January, 13

Dos for Javelin

Do the "Pre-Delivery Stride." Move the left leg forward and align the shoulders and hips with the throwing direction.

6 Wait for the left foot to touch the ground.7 Straighten the torso.8 Turn the face toward direction of the throw. The javelin and shoulders should

be parallel.9 Position the throwing hand above shoulder level.

Monday, 14 January, 13

Dos for JavelinOnce the left foot hits the ground, your left side must be ready to handle the thrusting of the right leg, which drives up and forward and brings the hips into a right angle with the throw.

5 After the hip thrust, pull back with left arm keeping it parallel to right shoulder this will assist with right shoulder and chest moving forward and aligned with the hips,as this is taking place continue through with the throwing arm with the elbow leading.

6 Move the throwing shoulder over the left leg, your hand should follow through(the entire shoulder, elbow, and hand should move through similar to a bullwhip acting as one but building on each section before it).Slow motion photography would be the only way to really see this effect.

7 Lift the left leg and move the throwing arm, with the elbow placed high and close to the mid line. The javelin release angle should account for aerodynamic lift and drag. Experts recommend 33 degrees as the optimum release angle.

Monday, 14 January, 13

Dos for JavelinHold the javelin spear the correct way (spear in front)

Always aim at the TARGET. Not your enemies

Wait until the field is clear before throwing (beginners)

Make sure you’re in sports shoes (not slippers, sandals)

Always listen to the instructor/teacher

Monday, 14 January, 13

Don’ts of Javelin

Do not stop halfway when running. It will only end up to this

Monday, 14 January, 13

Don’ts of JavelinDo not wear watches or any jewelry as it may distract you or hurt others

When you are lethargic, do not throw a javelin as you may hurt yourself as a result.

Foul throws-The javelin must not touch any lines in the field

Foul throws- Your body should not touch any lines on the field or your throw will NOT be counted

Monday, 14 January, 13