How to Teach the Javelin Throw

The javelin is a throwing event in Track and Field competition. It involves throwing a lightweight spear--the javelin--from a runway. According to Jim Giroux of M-F Athletics, "Because each portion of the throw is set up by action of the previous movement, it is important to be consistent and practice perfectly so that the portions flow into each other." Teaching the javelin throw involves introducing each progressive step individually, but also linking them together for the student at the same time.

Things You'll Need

  • Javelins
  • Boxes or stools
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Instructions

  1. Grip

    • 1

      Demonstrate how to hold the grip of the javelin, with the palm turned upward and the javelin lying along the palm.

    • 2

      Show students the American style grip, held between the thumb and index finger; Finnish style, held between the thumb and middle finger; and fork style, held between the index and middle finger.

    • 3

      Let students try out the feel of the different style grips and choose which feels most comfortable and secure for them.

    Pull Over the Top

    • 4

      Have students perform a seated throw with the javelin to learn to pull over the top effectively.

    • 5

      Direct students to sit on a stool or box with their feet planted on the ground, and back straight.

    • 6

      Demonstrate how the throwing arm goes back and the non-throwing arm extends forward, emphasizing the throwing elbow's position above the throwing shoulder and the release point above the head, as the throwing arm moves forward and the non-throwing arm comes back toward the non-throwing shoulder.

    • 7

      Have students practice the pull over the top.

    Crossover and Carry

    • 8

      Demonstrate the steps and crossover that lead up to the throw.

    • 9

      Emphasize not arching the back during the movements, initiating the crossover by pushing forcefully off of the front foot, driving the back knee forward as the front foot pushes off, keeping hips and feet facing front and the front shoulder closed.

    • 10

      Emphasize holding the javelin over the throwing shoulder and just above ear level. Keep the javelin mostly parallel to the ground, but allow for it to be tilted slightly downward or upward for throwing comfort.

    • 11

      Have students practice the steps, first without a javelin and then with one but not throwing yet, giving tips and pointers as needed.

    Drawback

    • 12

      Demonstrate the drawback which happens just prior to the beginning of the crossover.

    • 13

      Emphasize that the palm of the throwing hand remains up, and the hand should stay above the shoulder as the javelin is drawn back in a straight line in the direction of the throw. Keep your feet, hips and head facing the direction of the throw during the drawback.

    • 14

      Have students practice walking up to a drawback, and then running up to a drawback once they have some mastery.

    Delivery

    • 15

      Review all of the steps leading up to the throw.

    • 16

      Discuss the ideal point of delivery, above the thrower's head, once the back leg has been fully extended.

    • 17

      Tell students to avoid the tendency to lean back, which will misdirect the javelin.

    • 18

      Have all students practice the complete throw.