Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

THROWING THE JAVELIN 187 However, should the wind be very strong, this angle may be very slightly decreased when throwing against the wind, or still less increased when throwing with the wind. In other words, the wind has a greater effect on the javelin when throwing against it than when throwing with it, for in the latter case it has not the same amount of destroying power, but r~ther helps it. The flight of the javelin through the air, if correctly thrown, is a parabola, and for a throw of 140 feet it would hav:e an initial velocity of 67 feet per second, and the force exerted is about 6o pounds. A fairly rapid pace just before throwing is an advantage, provided it does not interfere with the balance of the body when throwing, for it represents a constant acceleration, which is converted into a high rate of velocity at the moment of parting with the javelin. A javelin with a fairly stiff shaft should be used, as it minimises the evil effect of vibration, which was _...-- /11" ~--------~-------<~--- I 0 I --.._\,j Diagram 33· mentioned before, and also care should be taken that the shaft is straight. If it is crooked (as in diagram 33), it will revolve in the manner shown by the dotted circle, and will form another force acting on the centre of gravity and consequently destroying the line of direction. Dealing now with the so-called "standing throw," owing to the manher in which it is necessary for the javelin-thrower to bend back the body, it will not be possible for him to make his throw from an absolutely stationary position ; he must therefore take