Why? The Science of Athletics

'244 WHY?-THE SCIENCE OF ATHLETICS across the circle (Fig. 70) hits the dead centre with his right foot and . plants his left foot down at an angle of 20 degrees to the line of direction (Figs. 29 and 31, Plate 7), in order that he may take full advantage of the power of his leg drive, the free, twisting action of his t.runk and the artn drive to full extension, combined with the follow through of his right shoulder, as shown by F. R. Webster in · Fig. 77, Plate r8, and Armas Valste, Figs. 29 to 34, Plat~ 7· Much the same considerations influence the action of 0 FIG. 7I the javelin thrower, whose footwork and throwing-stance are shown in Fig. 7 r; in placing his left foot, also, 20 degrees to the left of the direct-ion line in reachi:r:tg the throwing position. But in this case we are more intimately concerned with direct traction and forward leverage over a momentarily fixed fulcrum. This, however, is a subject I must reserve for future discussion. I will therefore content myself by pointing out that if the javelin thrower does _not carry his left foot off 20 degrees from the line of direction .in securing the throwing position he will not only cramp his delivery action, but is- bound to rock over on the sides of his feet instead of making the throw from the firm foundation provided by the balls of his big toes where the real power lies.