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Javelin

Javelin Skills 

Technique 

  • Start at the run up position or enter behind the line. 
  • Body position. 
    • Stand tall.   
    • Body sideways with javelin side backwards. 
    • Feet shoulder-width apart.  
  • Hold javelin.  
    • Use the grip with hand under the javelin.  
    • Behind the body, javelin hand back. 
    • Hand and arm at shoulder height. 
    • Javelin parallel to ground. 
  • Action – Standing start. 
    • Bend back leg so weight on it. 
    • Allow arm to fully straighten.  
    • Turn hip and shoulder forward at the same time.  
    • Release when hand above head, slightly in front of you. 
  • Action – Run up. 
    • Run up for beginners is a controlled 3-5 steps (run up is not compulsory).  
    • Run on balls of feet. 
    • Feet facing forward but hips and trunk are still sideways. 
    • When close to line, land on throwing side foot and plant opposite foot. 
    • Turn hip and shoulder forward at the same time. 
    • Release when hand above head, slightly in front of you. 
  • Exit behind the throwing arc.  

Modification Options  

  • Adjust size or weight of javelin to match the athlete’s upper body and core strength and control. 
  • Use a modified javelin or vortex howler (safety foam javelin). 
  • Allow any javelin landing positions ie accept any part of the javelin hitting the ground first. 
  • Throw javelin from standing start (remove run up). 
  • Offer seated throws for relevant athletes. Seated athletes can complete multiple throws in a row to help with the function of the event. 
    • Throwing frame preferred. 
      • Ensure the frame is correctly strapped to the ground. 
      • Use appropriate straps / postural anchors such as a pelvic belt and shin belt. 
      • Chair is positioned facing sideways or forward to field. 
      • Can use an upright pole for stability and power. 
      • Techniques to power the movement 
        • Lean directly backward then forward movement. 
        • Lean sideways and backward then forward movement. 
        • Lean backward then forward with trunk rotation. 
    • Can use own wheelchair or a heavy everyday chair.  
      • Brakes on. 
      • Seat belt and chosen postural supports on. 
      • Chair or wheelchair can be anchored/held by a helper adult to prevent it from tipping/rocking – hold the back of the chair on the opposite side to throwing arm. 
      • Low backrest if available. 
    • Trial different rotational angles for the chair ie forward, sideways, throwing side rotated slightly backwards. 
  • Use bright markers for the throwing and sector lines. 
  • For blind and low vision athletes, use a guide athlete. See the sensory page for more information.

Before you start  

  • Ensure correct weight of javelin for the athletes age or athletes' ability.  
  • Runway is flat and clear of debris. 
  • Waiting athletes stand to the side of the runway. 
  • Officials in the sector face the foul line. 

Safety  

  • Carry javelin vertically, unless throwing. 
  • Defined throwing and landing area. 
  • Athletes throw when told to go. 
  • After throw, Javelin is carried back to the line facing upwards, never thrown back. 

Measuring  

  • Zero end of tape is placed on the first landing point of the javelin tip – it does not have to stick in the ground.  
  • Pull the tape through to the intersection of sector lines, 8m behind the foul line.  
  • Measure to the inside of the foul line.  
  • When is the javelin a foul?  
    • If the athlete throws underarm, slung or hurled.  
    • If the javelin lands on or outside the sector lines.  
    • If the athlete touches the lines making the runway during their throw. 
    • If the athlete crosses the throwing arc, marking the end of the runway, during their throw. 
    • If the athlete leaves the runway before the javelin has landed. 
    • If the athlete turns their back to the landing area during the throw. 
    • If the javelin does not land with the tip of the metal head first. 
    • If the athlete exits on or in front of the extension lines from the arc. 

Recording  

  • Record the distance to the nearest whole centimetre below the distance measured. 
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(ACN 632 256 181).
All rights reserved.
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