Coaching and Care of Athletes

THE JAVELIN THROW and the three middle fingers. As his right foot completes the fifth stride from Check Mark 2 the athlete hops forward on to both feet (see Fig. I 50). The throwing arm is then almost at full extension behind the body, the trunk is turned to the right, and the throw is made round the shoulder, with the right– leg drive synchronizing with the action of the right arm. The thrower is upright at the moment of delivery, with both feet on the ground. Mter the javelin has left the hand the feet are changed, so that the left leg swings back in a natural loose reaction as the right foot, going forward, catches the athlete's weight. Whichever style of throwing the athlete adopts the position at the actual moment of delivery is the same-i.e., weight on the left leg, centre of gravity over the left foot, and body virtually upright. Comstock argues that the grip used by the Finns makes their shoulder and arm muscles stiff, and that the bounding strides they use to get into the throwing position represent a wasteful ex– penditure of energy. Fig. 151 shows the footwork in the Finnish style. This is the style for which I have a very strong preference. Measure off a distance of 33 ft. at right angles to the scratch-line in the direction of the thrower's approach. This is Check Mark 2. Continue the line for 387 ,l J ~~ ~ .j. J "' ~ >< e c: Cl. C) :;£' "' <Y"> ~ ..J ..J "' 0 "- c. a. d "' <") ~ ..J x e a. §- 'f. ~ :z 0 6 U.J 0:: Q .... 0 U.J z: :::i <> p:~ ,_ > ~ OJ et: Throwi ng stance ·~ c. 0 :X: a: c .,g u d .s a: .~ u E "- d <11 Q) " '1: .... er <11 U) Ch eckMarkl2 a: ~ " ·;: .... V) I() " QJ CD a: c.. "' g- ·a E u £ er Che ck Mark I a: a: StandingstCll"t 0 U") .....