Why? The Science of Athletics

SUCCESS OR FAILURE 225 circle. He cannot do this unless, at the commencement of the turning movement, he disposes the point of his chin over the point of his left shoulder and keeps it there up to the penultimate phase of the whole evolution. The starting action is shown in Fig. 72, Plate I7, by F. R. Webster, former English Junior Champion and record holder. The spin upon the left foot is about to begin, but if, in turning, the head is allowed to turn to the right, as is its natural tendency, the body will not complete the whole of a half-revolution and that will cramp the three-quarter turn upon the left foot which takes the athlete to the throwing position. The head, in fact, is kept with the chin pointing over the left shoulder (Fig. 73, Plate I 7) until, at the end of the turn, both feet are firmly planted for the delivery (Fig. 74, Plate I7). But as the right arm strikes, the left shoulder leads the throw and the circumstance of the head remaining centrally placed on the spine causes the right shoulder to come around under the chin so that the delivery is guided and fully supported by the directional action of the head. (Fig. 75, Plate I7, of J. S. Moll, former Public Schools Champion and record holder.) In the same way, if the javelin thrower does not keep his eyes looking forward in running up and his chin pointing over the left shoulder in securing the throwing position he cannot make a straight throw. This is impor– tant, since in javelin throwing all throws are measured perpendicularly to the scratch line, or the scratch line produced. It follows therefore that if, instead of traveiling straight ahead, the spear departs at an angle to the line of direction, distance in measurement will be lost. I think it should be obvious, also, that if in making the throw the athlete drops his head to the left the spear will fly away to the right, while if he drops his head to the right he will drag the spear across to the left, not only losing distance thereby but also thwarting his own purpose by making the weapon unstable in flight. What has been said of the discus applies also to p