Athletes in Action

THROlVI1.VG THE ]A VELI.f\. (ro) THE Reverse, which constitutes the final phase of the Throw, is shown in Fig. IO opposite. To execute the reverse the thrower releases the hold of his left foot, and the right foot shifts rapidly through to the front with a short, sharp jump, or stab, step, and a good pick-up of the knee, so that the right foot, landing a few inches behind the scratch-line, catches the \veight of the body and prevents the thrower from spoiling his throw by crossing the scratch-line. Note the full and forceful forward movement of the whole body following in the line of the javelin flight, the full follow through of the right hand, the straightfonvard direction of the head and the w·ay in which the left arm is swinging up to counterbalance the forward action of the right leg. As the reverse is made the right knee should be well picked up, as shO\\·n in the picture opposite, but the right leg should be fully straightened as the right foot comes to the ground. Having progressed thus far, the novice should practise the whole evolution, first from Fig. I to Fig. 6, then, as a separate part and as a standing exercise drill, from Fig. 6 to Fig. ro. Then combine the whole action (Figs. I to 10) at a walk, a trot and a full run. Do not throw more than twice a week for distance, throw always in such a way that you can hold your form; have your style checked frequently by means of snapshots ; and, a final word in connection with Fig. 8, in the action of delivery try to give the javelin ele,·ation throughout its length as a whole by means of a. lift from the palm of the hand as the javelin is released on its flight from a point directly above the right shoulder. Keep up the practice of walking about the field and throwing the javelin down into the ground 20 ft. ahead even after you are a proficient thrower. Learn to throw straight, as throws are measured perpendicularly to the scratch-line. N '-l \0