Athletics (British Sports Library)

JAVELIN THROWING H5 When the hand-hold is taken, the binding lies diagonally across the palm from the root of the index finger to the heel of the hand. It is held in place by the grip of the thumb and first finger at the side and back of the binding. The other three fingers lay across the binding to aid in direction, but do not exert a tight pressure. As the throw is made the directing fingers loose their hold, so that they do not tend to pull the javelin downwards. The thumb and fore- finger give the final im- ~ ~>v­ petus. Sketch A shows the position taken up by the athlete prior to the run– up for the throw. The inset shows the method of grasping the binding. It should be noticed that the arm is bent in such Skerc:J.. A . a way that the hand is close to the ear and that- the javelin is held directly forward in the direction of the run and throw with the steel head of the weapon some 3 or 4 inches lower than the tail. Throwing takes place from behind a scratch line properly marked upon the ground by a line 2£ inches wide and not less than 12 feet in 10