The Javelin Throw

The Major Aspects of the Javelin Throw

The very first thing to learn when it comes to javelin throw is the grip of the handle. There are 3 different grips for the javelin. The American Grip, The Finnish Grip, and The Fork Grip. 

The American Grip

The American grip is the most common grip for beginners to use. This grip focuses on the 2 points of contact on the top of the handle and allows for the natural pro-nation of the arm to be easily transferred from other sports such as football. 

The Finnish Grip

The Finnish grip has been ever popularized by top tier Finnish javelin throwers. This grip is so successful because it allows for the wrist to be turned inward at a greater angle, therefore allowing for an easier rotation of the shoulder. 

The Fork Grip

This is the least popular of the three grips. Many throwers do not even try this grip because of the bad rap it tends to get. It is considered a "bad" grip because this grip decreases the overall rate of rotation the javelin has while in the air. This therefore can decrease the distance the javelin will travel.

My Personal Opinion
I consider the Finnish grip to be the best out of personal preference, and the current world leader in the javelin throw uses this specific grip.

The Shoulders and Javelin Carry
When holding the javelin you will want your elbow of the throwing arm to remain above the adjacent shoulder to hinder any potential elbow injuries. You will also want to keep the javelin against the side of your face. Keeping a steady javelin hand is incredibly important to the throw. When the javelin is against your head you will want to keep it above your ear and you will be set up for success.

The Upper Body 

When performing a standing throw, it is important to have good posture throughout the whole process. A slight rearward lean in your posture in throws when you have created more momentum with your legs will allow for the opening of your chest into the throw. The actual arm motion consists of the rotation of the elbow underneath the javelin. But the motion of the lower body is far more important than this motion. That is unless you are feeling great discomfort in your elbow or shoulder. 

The Lower Body

When preparing for a standing throw it is important to first follow the steps of the previous instructions. 

Turning into the throw allows for your hips to add a massive amount of power into the javelin. Begin standing in an athletic position with your knees bent. Your hips and upper body should be turned sideways. Lift your front leg and push off with your back leg to begin the turn. Firmly plant your left leg into the ground and the arm will quickly follow those actions. 

The Block

The block is a massive component of the throw. This allows for the transfer of your momentum to go from the ground all the way up through your abdomen and into your chest and shoulders. As you keep your arm back your hand will be pulled all the way into the throw by the block. 

You have told me all this but I still don't know how to throw...

Many new throwers get hit in the face by all of this information and still have no clue what to do. The Arm action is considered the most important part of the throw to beginners. But as a new thrower learns all of the other aspects, the arm will naturally come with it. 

Other Massive Concepts

Elastic Reflex

The javelin throw requires great amounts of flexibility all throughout the body. The elastic reflex is the action of your body using it's momentum to get the most amount of energy directly into the javelin. The goal of the throw is to have the longest "pull" from you arm directly sent through the shaft of the javelin. This is a relatively complex subject and creating this reflex is what so many top level throwers heavily focus on. 

Crossovers

Beginners should stay away from jumping into a load of crossovers too early. The act of performing  a crossover begins in the same position of a standing throw. A crossover is essentially a side ways run with a hop on each step. You must gain and maintain the momentum of this process in order for it to be effective. A crossover has to be bouncy and explosive, and this will quickly add momentum and power to your throw. 

The Flight of the Javelin

The way the javelin flies massively effects the distance the implement can glide. There are 3 different types of noticeable flights in the javelin throw. You can throw over the javelin, throw under the javelin, and throw through the javelin. When throwing under the javelin it is generally the tail that lands first. This would result in no mark in collegiate competition. This will happen when a thrower does not complete the full action of the arm and refrains from the pro-nation of the arm. This can also happen when the dipping of the chest occurs. The act of throwing over the javelin happens when the thrower releases the javelin late and performs the act of pro-nation too late. This results in the javelin landing on the tip and in general creates a high elevation flight pattern. The final and the style of flight all throwers should strive for is the act of throwing through the javelin. All of your effort has been put directly into the javelin with no deviation. As the javelin comes out of your hand and you trace it through the air you should only see a small spec in the air that is the back of the javelin. The javelin will turn over eventually and manage to land on it's tip. This will create the most distance in the throw.