Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

158 SUCCESS IN ATHLETICS is straightened up. As the right leg straightens out, the throwing arm sweeps around making the throw; the right shoulder comes around, and the arm goes right across the body; the left shoulder and arm go back, carrying on the motion (sketch 5); but the hips are kept square to the front, the body-thrust coming from the waist; the head is kept up, and the whole body from the sole of the squarely planted left foot to the crown of the head is kept almost perpendicular to the ground. It is of importance to note that the right shoul– der and the left foot are pointing in the direction of the throw, to which the pelvis is squ<;J.rely turned (see diagram 23). The great thing seems to be to " follow through," to keep the body upright, and to set the abdominal muscles as the throw is made. On the whole we are inclined to think that this Diagram 23. style of throwing is the best, for the firm stance of the left · leg keeps the hips straight to the direction of the throw, and the twisting of the body from the waist seems to allow the abdominal muscles to act as a spring, " pulling on elastic," if one may so put it, from the right side of the abdomen ; but care must be taken that the action is not made jerky. It must also be remembered that the head is to be kept well up, and that the throwing arm swings across the body, so that the right elbow comes about level with the left armpit.