Athletes in Action

THRO\YING THE JA VELI~ (S) THE completion of the jump from first check-mark to second check-mark and throwing position is shown in Fig. 5 opposite. Here the arm-action is interesting. The right arm is rotated still further backward and the first rebending of the throwing arm begins. This necessitates the liftinb of the javelin, through its entire length, and both arms are raised a corresponding amount, but the line of the shoulders is not disturbed, the back 's not hollowed and the head is still directed to the front. Before the right foot reaches the ground, at the second check-mark, the left leg, from \Vhich the forward spring was made, catches up and passes the right. i\ote that the left leg remains flexed at the knee, for the final fonvard swing in the next stage ; the right knee also remains bent for the landing of the right foot at the second check-mark. Be careful, in this final stage of the forward spring from the left foot, that the head of the javelin does not rise any higher than the level of your eyes. Also, you must carry the left elbow up to the level of your nose while keeping the left hand, held loosely open, near the point of your right shoulder. n attempt may now be made to combine the actions shown in Figs. 1 to 5 into an entire, cumulative effort, first at a \valk, then at a trot and, finally, at a fast run. But do not bother, as yet, about what happens after your right foot hits the second check-mark. Guard against hollowing the back and against allowing the point of th ·avelin to tip up, through the improper action of allowing the hand to drop back on the wrist. Strive after a powerful, well-balanced, and well-controlled spring and build up a strong backwards rotation of the right arm. N 0\ \0