javelin delivery Alignment
The basic, fundamental throwing technique is a method to create linear energy (via a run and crossover strides), and to then transfer this energy into the javelin by bracing the lower and upper non-throwing side of the body and deliver the javelin with an overhand throwing movement. By employing this fundamental throwing technique, the javelin thrower attempts to take full advantage of the laws of physics and biomechanics. There are some variations and nuances within the fundamental throwing technique that play a significant role in the performance and success of a javelin thrower. Runway speed, flexion of block leg, javelin delivery angle, timing of right to left rhythm in the penultimate stride, positioning of right foot and leg in the penultimate stride, and the timing sequence of the block arm / block foot touchdown are all critical technical factors that play a large role in distance thrown. The primary focus of this article is on another factor that plays a large role in the distance thrown and performance of the javelin thrower. This is the alignment of the javelin before and during the throwing motion. Conventional wisdom and common sense tells many javelin throwers and coaches that a “clean strike” on the javelin will deliver more energy through the point of the javelin and eliminate rattle during the flight. Thus, greater throwing distances can occur because less delivery energy is lost. Javelin coaches and throwers alike use terminology such as “line it up” and “hit it clean”. A cardinal sin of javelin throwers is to “pull down”, “across”, or “miss” on a throw, which can create rattle or a plowing action during the flight. When studying elite level javelin throwers, we see that these maxims hold true. Elite throwers are very skilled and gifted athletes and possess a high degree of technical proficiency. Thus, factors such as proper flexion of the block leg, javelin delivery angle, timing of right to left rhythm in the penultimate stride, positioning of right foot and leg in the penultimate stride, and the timing sequence of the block arm / block foot touchdown are all factors elite throwers have mastered to a large degree. However, when studying elite throwers, it is evident that there are variations in javelin alignment (along the horizontal plane) through the run-up, penultimate stride and at delivery. “Wrap” Versus “Linear” Style of Throwing During the crossover and delivery phases,
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some javelin throwers choose to align the javelin in a linear fashion – oriented toward the center of the throwing sector. Others align the javelin more toward the throwing side sector line – for example, toward the right sector line for a right-handed thrower. These alignments are seen at varying degrees at varying points of the approach and delivery. The latter alignment style is often referred to as wrapping the javelin. Given that both approaches have seen significant success at the world-class level, it is useful to explore the pros and cons of each approach as well as the unique differences and variations between the two. These two styles of throwing can be seen most clearly when studying the elite throwers of Germany and the Czech Republic; two countries which have dominated javelin throwing in recent history. Although there are exceptions, German throwers often tend to be larger, more powerful, and employ more of a linear throwing style – as evidenced by Boris Henry, Andreas Hofmann, Stefi Nerius, and Johannes Vetter. Thomas Rohler and Christina Obergfoll tend to deviate a bit from center on the cross-overs but throw with a fairly linear orientation. German World Champion Matthias de Zordo is a notable exception that used a very pronounced wrap style. Generally speaking, the German training approaches obviously mirror this philosophy – as they work toward developing a powerful, elbow-dominated, linear arm strike. For the more linear javelin throwers, the path of the elbow strike is ideally mirroring the angle of attack. Because of this, shoulder power is at a premium. In comparison, javelin throwers from The Czech Republic often throw with a wrap style that is emblematic of World Record Holder Jan Zelezny - who has coached Petr Frydrych, Jakub Vadlejch, Barbora Spotokova, and Vitezslav Vesely. To varying degrees, these throwers align and deliver the javelin more toward the throwing side sector. The delivery differs from their German counterparts in the sense that they attain a slightly greater degree of rotational elasticity from their hips and shoulder. This causes a slightly different activation of the throwing shoulder – as the positioning of the non-throwing shoulder is used to ‘open up’ the throwing arm-pit. The throwing elbow will not necessarily mirror the angle of attack on the javelin with this delivery. Although it may initially create force along the path of the javelin, the path of the elbow may then deviate – as it rotates medi-
FOR THE COACH It is important to understand the pros and cons of each approach, and the strengths and limitations of your thrower. Generally, a linear orientation and delivery can: • Have potential to transfer more energy along and through the point of the javelin. • Result in a lower likelihood of “missing” a throw. • Benefit a larger, more powerful thrower who has a powerful upper body and arm strike. Generally, a wrap orientation and delivery can: • Have potential to generate faster delivery speed. • Result in a slightly increased chance of “missing” a throw. • Benefit a thrower who has speed, elasticity, and a shoulder, which can permit the range of motion needed for a rotational striking action. The javelin throw is a results-dominated endeavor. So, the distance thrown will be the ultimate determiner of the approach the athlete and coach utilize. There are some other results that a coach and athlete should consider as well: • Consistency: does one approach yield consistently better results? • Does one approach lend itself to being more easily replicated; particularly under a pressure situation such as a championship competition? • How does the throwers body respond to changes and variations in style? Aches, pains, injuries, and tension should be monitored. It is important to understand the strengths and limitations of your athlete. Do their physical attributes, neuromuscular habits, background, previous coaching, and abilities make them an obvious fit for one style over another? Are they able to experiment with different delivery angles? It is important to, if possible, experiment with different techniques, which includes delivery orientation. This takes a degree of knowledge and patience on the part of both the athlete and the coach. If you study the careers of elite throwers, you will be able to see the nuances, progression, and evolution of their technique. You will also be able to compare their results to their technical approach at that time.