Coaching and Care of Athletes

THE JAVELIN THROW voice to emphasize the correct cadence. Throughout the three strides the shaft of the spear must be kept parallel to the line of direction. In subsequent practices the cross-step, throwing stance, de– livery action, and reverse of the feet can each be added to these slow-motion exercises, until the technique is at last worked in. Light throwing for style and direction, rather than for distance, can then begin, and the whole style, plus speed and suppleness, can be built up gradually. The quickest way to secure success is by extremely patient practice at quarter and half effort. Strength and suppleness, especially in the shoulder girdle, are ofprimary importance. The Finns work hard to get their shoulders supple in a special way. The athlete stands, feet together, hold– ing a stick in his hands, with his arms hanging down in front of his body. The stick is raised above the head and carried right down behind the body. Great throwers like Jarvinen and Nik– kanen, who practise every day, can do the exercise with a stick no more than 2 to 3 ft. in length. The Finns also work a great deal in the gymnasium on the rings, and do 'dislocation' exercises. The coach should insist that in all styles there must be accelera– tion during both run-up and throwing action, and that athletes using the Finnish style should throw over the shoulder, with the elbow leading the arm movement. Faults a coach must watch for are: (I) In the run-up: The javelin is not carried properly. The athlete shows poor acceleration; falters or lacks life in the boun~ing strides; does not keep the cross-over step short enough. (2) In the transition to the throwing stance: During the bounding strides the javelin does not lie along the forearm; is not kept parallel to the line of direction; the arm action as the spear is brought down from the carry to the preliminary throwing position does not co-ordinate with the bounding strides. The first outward and then inward rotation of the hand holding the javelin is not used . In making the cross-step the right foot is not put down across the line, the left foot is put down too soon, so that the foot– spread is inadeq.uate for a strong throwing position, and the weight goes forward on to the left leg too soon. The right knee is not turned in. Some men throw before the left foot reaches the ground, and therefore lose the left-leg drive. Some let the point of the javelin tip up or deviate to the right from the proper line of direction. 395 /