Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

THROWING THE JAVELIN 189 Immediately the javelin has left the hand, the feet are reversed and the right foot should come hard up against the throwing-board, at which the thrower must remain poised (fig. 82) until the weapon has come to earth point first. It will be as well to remind the athlete here of two things: 1. The javelin must strike the ground point first. 2. The thrower must not overstep the throwing– board until the javelin has come to earth. If either .of these rules are infringed, the throw will not count. If the foregoing instructions, together with the photographs referred to and the sketches, are carefully studied, several things will at once become apparent to the observant reader. 1. It is necessary to have very strong abdominal muscles and strong knees, therefore perfect feet. 2. Perfect balance combined with rhythmic action is also necessary. It should also be observed that the throw is made with the upward swing of the body, and that the reversal of the feet is not completed until after the javelin has left the hand. The final impulse and also direction must be given to the weapon with the thumb and first finger. Direction is important, as the throw is measured perpendicularly to the scratch line or the scratch line produced. The greater part of the pulling strain comes upon the left side of the abdomen when the body is swung back for the throw (figs. 76 and 77). In making the throw, the right hand should pass over the right shoulder, and as close to the cheek as