JAVELIN

History:

The origin of the javelin throw is obvious. The first throwers were primitive hunters seeking
food. The first known competitive use of a javelin occurred in the ancient Greek Olympics,
where the javelin throw was a part of the five-event pentathlon. The Greeks’ javelin
included a thong attached to the cord grip. When the thrower gripped the javelin he placed
two fingers in the thong, giving him greater control upon release. It is unclear, however,
whether the Greeks threw the javelin for distance or accuracy.

Swedes and Finns dominated the early years of modern Olympic javelin throwing, winning
the first six gold medals. Eric Lemming of Sweden is pictured here during the initial
Olympic javelin event in 1908. Lemming earned the gold medal that year, and then
defended his title successfully in 1912.

Equipments:

In terms of environment, track/runway surfaces vary. Ideally, javelin throwers wear javelin
boots, which have spikes located on the front of the foot (essentially the same position as
a runner's spikes) along with spikes on the heel. The spikes needed depending on the
runway. Some surfaces require short, ceramic spikes (mondo) and others, especially
grass runways, require longer spikes to prevent slippage. It is also recommended that
javelin throwers bring towels to dry off javelin handles in inclement weather and a brush
of some sort to clean grass or dirt out from between the spikes of the javelin boots.

If a javelin athlete has pre-existing injuries or experiences soreness when throwing the
javelin, certain braces are recommended to prevent injury. The most common is a
structured back brace, built to aid the arch of the thrower's back during delivery while
preventing over extension or stain. Knees and elbows are other common sites for braces
or taping.

Finally, high level athletes typically use grip chalk (like weight lifters or shot putters) to
enhance their grip on the implement, but this is certainly not an essential piece of
equipment.

Skills:
1. The grip. In the finish hold, the whole finger is wrapped round the cord with the
index finger straight at the edge of the shaft and the javelin comfortably resting
 on the palm.

2. The carriage.The javelin is carried over the head at the initial stage of the run -
up with the missile carried slightly above the head level and the tip of the missile
slightly pointing upwards.

3. Run- up.The purpose of the run-up is to enable the thrower gather enough
momentum and get into the throwing mood. The run-up can be divided into three
parts.

4. The release. At this point of throw, the toe of the leading leg points sideways.
The body weight is slightly shifted to the rear leg, the free hand slightly raised
with the elbow pointing sideways and used to maintain balance.

5. Follow through and recovery

Rules and Regulation:

 Holding the javelin must be done at the grip part and should always be maintained
above the shoulder level.
 For valid throw, the javelin must lie before the specified zone and its tip should hit
the ground.
 There is a special marking line on the runway within which the athlete needs to
throw.
 The athlete should not leave the ground until the javelin lands on the ground.
 After the throwing action has been made, the thrower should not turn back towards
the pointing direction, until it lands.
 The number of throws allowed per athlete is same as that of the discus throw.
 Once the competition has started, the athletes cannot use the perimeter for
practise purpose.
 Using any device that may assist the thrower in throwing is strictly prohibited. For
example, tapping of fingers are not allowed unless there is a wound.
 The throw will be considered as a foul in the following cases −
o Improper throw of the javelin in the attempt.
o Demarking of the line with any body part.
o Player going out of the marking line while throwing
o The tip of the javelin lies outside the edges of the landing sector.
 The time is increased to 1 minute if there are 2-3 number of competitors. In case
only one competitor is left, time is increased to 2 minutes.
References
https://www.liveabout.com/illustrated-history-of-javelin-3258900

https://www.answers.com/Q/What_equipment_do_you_need_for_the_javelin_throw

https://www.indiastudychannel.com/forum/119854-Javelin-basic-skills-techniques.aspx

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/javelin_throw/javelin_throw_rules.htm