Athletes in Action

THRO\VI:\"G THE JAVELIN (3) THE second half of the secret of javelin-throwing success lies in the ability of the athlete to pass from the run-up to the throwing position \Vithout loss of speed, or break in rhythm. As soon as the left foot hits the check-mark the shoulders are twisted sharply from left to right, the throwing arm is fully extended backwards and the left arm swings loosely across the body. Simultaneously, the thrower springs forward off the left foot and the right leg swings to the front in a high step-over action. The line of the shoulders, throwing arm and javelin must be kept in the same plane. Take care to keep the head turned directly to the front, and do not turn the toes of the right foot oun...-ards as that foot comes through to the front. These actions are shown in Fig. 3 opposite. Note that the trunk is hfld perfectly upright and that the left fore-arm is parallel to the shaft of the javelin, also that the head of the javelin lies belo·:v the line of the thrower's jaw-bone. This whole action must be practised first at a walk, then at a trot, then at a run, with a strong forward spring from the sole of the left foot as that foot strikes the check-mark. Do not bother, to begin with, about how far the spring from the left foot carries you, but take care to land on the right foot. In this phase you are mastering the art of gaining the true thrO\ving position. In the next phase you must practise rotating the thrO\ving arm backwards, so that a palm-upwards position is achieved. This must be practised many times, by merely turning the arm, v.-hich supports the javelin, in such a \vay that the knuckles come underneath and the palm upwards. N 0"1 l..n