Javelin Throw

The javelin throw is an athletic event where a javelin is thrown, which is made of regulatory materials such as metal or fiberglass . The main objective of the javelin throw is to throw it as far as possible. This technique dates back thousands of years, when in ancient times, the javelin was used as a hunting and fishing instrument, it was an instrument of survival. Javelin throwing as a sport was first performed in ancient Greece , during the pentathlon and the olympic games of antiquity.

What is the javelin throw?

The sport consists in that the player must take position in a specific area and throw the javelin without moving from the place where it is located. The greater the distance the player can throw the javelin, the better his score will be when it comes to competition.

History of the javelin throw

In ancient times , the javelin was an instrument of war and an artifact that was used for survival since it was used as a method for hunting and fishing . It was the size of the hunter, thin and sharp at the tip, which became round during competitions. There are indications of paintings and archaeological discoveries dating from the Chinese people around 4000 BC, it was used by Egyptians as well. It was previously called spear or spear .

Technique

It is one of the most technical difficult of the athletics , with a technique of acceleration and deceleration that is transmitted through the javelin arm. Three different grip techniques are important:

• The grip with the index fingers and thumb : the thrower must embrace the javelin with these two fingers surrounding it up to the hilt and then wrapping it with the whole hand. It is known as the American grip.
• The grip with the middle finger and thumb : in this technique the athlete must take the javelin with these fingers leaving the index finger below the javelin. It is known as a Finnish grip.
• The pincer or orthopedic grip : the javelin must be taken with the index and ring fingers and the javelin is wrapped with the whole hand. It is known as a fork.

Javelin Throw Rules

• The order of the competitors will be drawn.
• If there are more than eight players, they can each make three attempts with three additional throws.
• If there is a tie for eighth place, competitors must take three more throws.
• Players can take two practice throws.
• Once the competition starts, players cannot use the boost zone.
• Each competitor will be credited for the best of their throws.
• The use of bandages on the hands is not allowed, unless the player has an injury.
• The player can wear a girdle to prevent damage to the spine .
• The javelin must be grasped by the grip and thrown over the shoulder. Orthodox styles are not allowed.
• The throw will be invalid if the tip of the metal sheath of the javelin fails to touch the ground before another part of the javelin.
• The player must not cross parallel lines.
• If the player touches the lines drawn with his body, he will be disqualified.
• The player cannot leave the push zone until the javelin touches the ground.
• An incorrect throw will be considered as a try , but void.

Phases of the javelin throw

The phases of the javelin throw are as follows:

• Initial position : it is the phase in which the javelin is held by its center of gravity or grip , then with the palm of the hand facing upwards, the fist is closed tightly to better hold the javelin. It should be observed in front, place the trunk upright and place the javelin at the height of the head. The javelin arm should be open and flexed at the elbow .
• Race : the objective is to achieve the highest speed to obtain a greater power. The race that takes place must be progressively until reaching the launch zone.
• Final steps : in this phase there are five different steps. The first, after placing the left leg, the legs are brought forward to the trunk at the same time that the arm that holds the javelin is brought back. The second step is performed with the right leg bringing the javelin back, placing the point at the level of our face. The third step is done with the outer edges of the heel , the javelin will continue to go back, the shouldersthey must make a 90 degree turn to the right aiming at the throwing zone and aligning the javelin with their shoulders. The fourth step is the driving step in which the right leg crosses to the left above the knee, the step should be wide but firm. The fifth step consists of the hips and legs forward arching the trunk back, at which point the hips push the trunk up and forward.
• Recovery : after the javelin is thrown, the body must maintain the forward movement to achieve damping the momentum by flexing the knees and hips, to avoid disrespecting the rules .

Track

The track is marked by two parallel lines 4 m apart. The throwing line is 7 cm wide. The center of this hallway is located between the runway marking lines. From this main point two lines extend beyond the launch line until reaching a distance of 90 meters. All throws must fall between these two lines.

Area

The area on the launch pad must be between 32 m long. and 36.5 m., and a width of about 4 m. The arc or front limit of the race track must be a curved line painted in white, it can be made of wood or metal, or it can also be painted directly on the ground. The sector lines start at 8 meters from an interior point of the arc and extend to marking flags at an angle of 29º.

Sneakers

Nails should be used which have different holes incorporated in their sole, approximately between four and seven, in which special nails screwed to the sole are positioned. These nails are placed in order to provide protection and greater stability to the feet when they adhere to the ground. The most common are pyramidal, compression, and needle.