Basic Skills in Javelin

1.  The Grip:

There are three types of grip:

a. American grip
b. Finish grip
c. “V” grip

a. American Grip: American grip involves holding the javelin in such a way that the three fingers encircle the whipcord and the thumb rests slightly along the shaft.

b. Finish Grip: The finish grip is holding the Javelin with the whole fingers wrapped around the cord, with the index finger straight at the edge of the shaft, and the Javelin resting comfortably on the palm.

c. “V” Grip: “V” grip is holding the Javelin between the index and middle fingers behind the cord.

2. Carriage:

The two types of carriage are :

a. Overhead carriage
b. Over-shoulder carriage

The carrying of the Javelin should be above the shoulder with a steady speed.

3. Run Up:

The speed must be moderate in order to maintain balance and correct the throwing stance. 

The purpose of the run-up is to enable the thrower to gather enough momentum and get into the throwing mood.

4. Throw:

They are different ways of throwing the Javelin, they are :

a. OverHead Throw: The Javelin is carried overhead with the tip of the metal head pointing forward towards the direction of the throw.

b. Standing Throw: The athlete gets to the scratch line and rocks many times before releasing the Javelin.

c. Running Throw: The thrower runs and releases the Javelin.

5.  Release:

The release should be done when the left foot gets to the ground and the throwing hand is as high as possible.

6. Follow Through and Recovery:

The athlete must follow through completely, so as not to lose distance in the throw. The throwing arm should travel diagonally across the body and end up on the opposite side. The right leg is brought forward to avoid going over the scratch line and recover. The left foot is brought back and the thrower stands on the right foot.

Phases of Javelin Throw:

1.  Grip
2. Carriage
3. Run up
4. Release
5. Follow through/recovery