Athletes in Action

THRO\\T~\G THE ].\ \ ELIX (6) h: Fig. 6 opposite the athlete ,is seen gaining the thrO\ving position. :t\ote, first of all, that the right foot hits the second check-mark well in adYance of the bodr, which is not bent at the waist-line, that the shoulders and head arc now completely in line with the direction of the throw, because the throw is to begin v.:ith a sharp twist of the shoulders from right to left and uot by means of a forward-and-upward whip 1f the trunk from abooe the hips. The right foot must land v;ith the knee above it well bent and not turned in·wards. As the left leg swings forward and is straightened at the knee the backwards rotation of the throwing arm ends, with the hand in a palm-up\vards position and bent well in in line behind the head, as sho·wn in Fig. 6. This is achieved by flexing the right arm at the elbow. In this way the javelin, as a whole, is lifted throughout its length above the len!l of the head ; while the left arm, still bent at the elbow, is raised a corresponding amount. The danger here is that the back may be hollowed andfor the point of the javelin may tip up. Try, at first, to assume the position and to execute the actions shown in a standing position ; then work up to the walk, the trot and, finally, the full run and transition spring from left foot to right. Another important thing to aim at in this stage is the getting of the throwing hand right iu line behind the head, because zj you onct• leam to throw round, 'nstead of o·ver, the shoulder you will ner;er throw any great distance, and you will certainly hurt your right elbow badly. .\ho, if you let the point of the javelin tip up the weapon, when thrown, \vill go to height, but not to distance. );ote how the throv..·er has opened his mouth to draw in a deep breath to aid the throwing effort. N '-l