​Javelin Sports

Planning a lesson - Safety First!

 

Safety features built into ‘JAV Trainer Pro’ will give teachers confidence that their class lesson in javelin throwing can be conducted in safety. However, the key to a safe and successful lesson is planning and organisation. Some points to consider are listed below.

 

 

Progression (example)

Consideration should be given to previous experience / lessons so progression is planned. Begin with a warm up and go through the safety points (see below).

 

 

• Lesson 1. Basic technique for throwing - body position and balance, arm action, angle of throw etc. Throwing a light ball, throwing a heavier ball. Throwing with accuracy for distance and direction. Throw from a standing position, then from a run.

• Lesson 2. Using a javelin - the grip, stance, arm action, angle of delivery. Standing throw.

• Lesson 3. Recap on previous lesson then introduce the run up (without javelin to begin with). Practice the cross over step. Concentrate on body position and arm action (both arms have a job to do).

 

Organising for success and safety

 

• Carrying a javelin

Always carry the javelin vertically, in one hand and have the point or nose of the javelin pointing downwards. Always walk. Never run with a javelin unless you are going to throw it.

 

• The thrower

As with all throwing events the thrower moves forward to a position in front of the group before the throwing action begins. The teacher should create 3 or 4 zones – one for the group waiting to throw, one for the thrower and the area into which the javelin is thrown. A 4th zone can be used to divide 1 and 2 (buffer zone).

Depending on the level of supervision it may be possible to have a number of groups. Groups must be suitably spaced apart and all throwing should be in a direction away from those waiting to throw. Spectators also at a safe distance.

• Throwing order

Make sure the throwing order or method for chosing the next to throw has been made clear. Wait until all javelins have been thrown before collecting them.

 

• Collecting the thrown javelins

Throw all javelins before collecting any of them. Students should wait for the teacher to say when it is safe to collect or use a whistle to communicate this. Ideally there would be enough javelins for all students to be able to complete one throw then all students can collect. Walk back with javelins in correct manner.

 

• Marking the distance

Students at some point will be keen to add a competitive element. This does not have to be against any one else. It can be an individual, trying to improve on their last throw. The teacher will be looking for technique as well as distance. Marking the position with mini cones enables students see where their last throw landed and they can try to improve on this at the next throw.

 

• Measuring the distance

The best way to do this is to have pre marked lines indicating distances (perhaps every 5m). The distance between can then be judged by estimation. For accurate recording of distance use a tape measure from the throw line to the position the nose section first touched the ground. In a competition you will need ‘spotters’ to note where the nose first touched the ground.

 

• Spotters / judges

Generally speaking everyone is behind the throw line and behind the thrower. Depending on the size of your field and the safety arrangements you have set up, this my not always be the case. Spotters however are normally to the side, but forward of the thrower. Their job is to watch the thrower and particularly the javelin to follow its flight, predict its landing position and to note where the point / nose hits the ground. The teacher or coach will have make a judgement as to who can carryout this role.

 

• A legal throw

The javelin must be thrown from one hand. Thrown over the shoulder. The thrower must not cross the throw line. The javelin should land nose end first although this can be achieved by an almost flat landing in which case the judge will have to decide if it is legal.