History of Javelin Throw

• The javelin as a sport originated from the spear’s everyday use in hunting and fighting. It
was popular in Ancient Greece and was included in the Olympic Games as part of the
pentathlon in 708 BC. Since 1908 for men and 1932 for women, it has been a component
of the modern Olympic Games.
• The men’s javelin was modified in 1986, with the center of gravity shifted forward four
cm. By lowering its nose down earlier and steeper, it was able to reduce throwing
distances by around 10%. Following Uwe Hohn of East Germany’s world record of
104.80m set in 1984, the men were in danger of throwing the javelin beyond the area
permitted in typical stadiums. The women’s javelin was also modified in 1999.
• Jan Zelezny, a Czech athlete, is widely considered as the greatest male javelin thrower in
history. From 1992 to 2000, he won a hat-trick of Olympic championships and
established the world record of 98.48 meters. Barbora Spotakova, a compatriot, is one of
the finest female javelin throwers in history, having won consecutive Olympic
championships in 2008 and 2012 and holding the women’s world record with a best of
72.28 meters.

Rules of Javelin Throw

Javelin Game Officials

Landing the Javelin

Javelin Penaltie

Definitions of terms:
 Strides – A long step
Techniques in Throwing the Javelin

 The three types of Grip

 American Grip
The American Grip is done by holding the javelin with the
cord in between the thumb and index finger.

 Finnish Grip
The Finnish Grip is done by extending the index finger under
the shaft for control and then gripping the cord in between the
thumb and middle finger.

 “V” Grip
The “V” Grip is done by gripping the shaft in between
extended index and middle fingers.

 Run – Up
When you take your first strides, your hips should be perpendicular to the target
area. As you take your final strides, turn your planting foot, and point it towards your
target.

 Throw
Make sure your elbow is high when you coil back to release the javelin. The point
of release for the javelin should be in front of your planted foot.

 Huddle – Up
Make sure that you are using impeccable/faultless technique when throwing the
javelin, both to make the javelin travel farther and also to avoid injury.
Phases In Throwing Javelin

 THE APPROACH (PRELIMINARY)

 During this phase the javelin is carried at head height, with the arm bent, the elbow
pointing forward.
 The approach speed increases constantly to the maximum controllable speed. The length
of the preliminary approach run is:
• Juniors: 4 – 8 strides long, finishing on the right foot contact with the ground.
• Seniors: 8 – 14 strides long, finishing on the right foot contact with the ground.

 5 STEP RHYTHM (TRANSITION)

 A clear marker must be placed next to the run-up area to indicate the start of the 5 step
rhythm.

 THROW

 The launching takes place above the left foot. The

outward rotation of the elbow along with the
release of the fingers on the javelin causes the
javelin to rotate clockwise to create stability during
flight.

 Recovery
 Ride over the left leg after delivery, while keeping the left foot on the ground. Bring the
right leg quickly forward, immediately after the release of the javelin to prevent fouling
of the throw. Place the foot on the ground with the leg slightly bend to absorb the forward
momentum.
 JAVELIN EQUIPMENT SPECS

JAVELIN SPEAR
The javelin must contain a head, shaft, and chord grip.
 Head - located at the tip of the front of the shaft and can be made of metal only.

 Grip - covers a section of the shaft and it is the part that is held by the thrower.

 Shaft -The shaft becomes thinner from its widest point that measures out to be an
approximate 20-30mm in the center to the very tip and tail.