Athletes in Action

THRO\VING THE ]A\'ELIN (8) As shown in Fig. 8 opposite, the Javelin is carried directly over the shoulder and is released from the hand when the arm is perpendicular and the hand directly above the shoulder. Check the point of delivery frequently by the aid of snapshots. If you release the weapon too soon it \vill fly too high, if you release it too late the javelin will be dragged do·wn by the pressure of the fingers. In either case distance will be lost. The throw is made with a full extension of the whole body, aided by a right-leg drive; the resistance of the left leg, locl.ed at the knee, as much explosive jerk as can be given by the arm, and a final flick from the wrist and fingers. Do not drop the left shoulder, and do not let the left arm fly wildly out behind ; note the check-action caused by bending the left arm at the elbO\v. The body must be forced over to the right through left leg resistance and the keeping up of the left shoulder. The hand follows through on the line of javelin flight and the right shoulder must be pressed up and after the javelin to support the thrO\\". The legs, it will be noted, retain their walk-like attitude until after the javelin has left the hand. On no account must the left leg be bent at the knee. Practise the stage of the throw portrayed in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 frequently, as a standing- exercise drill, without putting any power at all into the throw. Then practise the \vhole evolution Figs. 1 to 8 at a walk, a trot, and a run, still without putting any force into the deliYery effort, for some weeks. Then begin throwing steadily for distance, but do not throw so hard that you lose your form, which should be checked frequently by the aid of snapshots. At this stage learn to hold the position shown in Fig. 8 after the javelin has left the hand. t-) '-l \.ro