Athletic Training

THE JAVELIN THROW 139 Unlike other weight events the javelin does not require a ring. It is thrown at the con– clu§.ion of a free run, -which is taken just as in the running broad jump. This run is usually from 15 to 20 yards. A line is drawn back of which the javelin must be thrown. The length of run allowed the competitor is any distance he desires. The final effort in throwing the javelin is very much like that of putting the shot. In this final effort the body and feet are reversed exactly as in the shot put, the right foot strik– ing the ground after the javelin is released. B.eginners in throwing the . javelin should practise the same preliminary exercises I have explained for putting the shot. The first es– sential is to master the form without a run, and after that is acquired the athlete can work for distance and take as long a run as he desires. I am assuming that the athlete is right– handed. The javelin, · therefore, should be caught at the grip, the thumb and little fin– ger being under, and the three middle fingers on top. This is the firmest way to hold the javelin and make sure of the aim and direction.