Wallace 1

Kristen Wallace

English 12

Mr. Sitterud

16 February 2018

Passion Project: How to Throw the Javelin

Javelin was first introduced back in the Ancient Olympic Games and was part of the five

event pentathlon. It was then introduced to the modern Olympics for the first time in 1906 and

has become a bigger and more advanced sport. It takes precise coordination of multiple joints in

different planes of motion to control this 7 foot 2 inch piercing spear. In order to throw the

javelin, the two most important factors are the speed of release and release angle. Javelin

requires power from your whole body and not just the arm.

Throwing the javelin requires a speedy release in order to get more distance on the throw. This

is relevant to javelin technique because in order to get a faster release, you need a good

approach. The first couple steps is to build momentum, and “The thrower then moves into

crossover steps facing the side. These allow the thrower to continue to increase speed while

setting up for a good release position” (Page 2). This release position lets your arm extend all

the way back and set up in a good position where the javelin tip is on your eye as your coming to

the final couple steps of your approach. Having a speedier release will let you get more heat on

the javelin and in order to do that, you have to have a faster approach. At the end of your

approach you should be reaching maximum speed and “once the front foot is down, the motion

of the upper body begins. As one joint – such as the hip – reaches the end of its range of motion

and decelerates, the next joint – the shoulder, then elbow and finally the javelin – is rapidly
 Wallace 2

accelerated” (Page 3). This proves that your whole body has to be actively involved in order to

throw the javelin, and that you need speed to get more distance on your throw.

The second most important factor in throwing the javelin is the angle of release. In order to

get a good throw, you have to release the javelin at an angle where it can fly aerodynamically.

You do not want the javelin flying straight up and down because you would not get any distance

on it. “Due to the javelin’s aerodynamics and speed, its release angle should be around 36-40

degrees,” meaning that if you have any angle that greatly differs from that then your javelin will

most likely not fly as far (Page 1). Creating a good stretch in your arm and abdomen will create

more tension, allowing the javelin to travel a greater distance and it’ll create the optimal release

angle. An angle of attack is the difference between the angle of attitude and the angle of velocity

vector. The angle of attack should be as low as possible, and “The optimal attack angle is very

close to the center of gravity to slightly above it, creating an attack angle between 0-5 degrees”

(Page 2). In order to get this optimal angle, the whole body has to be in the correct position and

you need a good strong pull in order to release it at a certain angle.

The javelin requires full body effort which starts at the legs and ends with the arm striking.

Without power from the legs, the javelin would not go very far by just using arm strength. In

throwing the javelin, “Initial force is initiated in your lower body muscles and transferred

through your core through to your upper body muscles” (Page 3). Any weaknesses in transferring

power can result in a poor throw and not get as much distance. As your block leg stops your body

from moving, “your shoulder initiates the movement, transferring movement through your

triceps, wrists and fingers to extend your throwing arm forward to release the javelin” (Page 2).

Having your momentum come to a complete stop at the end of the approach and putting that

power into the javelin, makes the throw powerful. However, it’s so technical that if one
 Wallace 3

movement goes wrong, the throw is most likely going to be messed up when you release the

javelin. Throwing the javelin is not like throwing a baseball, it’s actually quite the opposite

because you can't bend your arm in order to throw the javelin like you would a baseball. This

requires you to move your body’s position efficiently, while isolating different body parts.

The javelin has been used for thousands of years, and the sport of javelin requires your whole

body’s combined effort. Javelin is very technical and requires effort from all body parts which

help get a faster release and set up for an appropriate angle of release. Javelin is a unique sport

and more people should have the opportunity to learn the technique behind it. Throwing the

javelin opens up a lot of opportunities, and is a great sport if your looking to do something new

and exciting.

Works Cited
 Wallace 4

Clark, J. “Optimal Javelin Flight: Physics and Fixes.” Just Fly Sports Performance, The

Jav Lab, www.just-fly-sports.com/optimal-javelin-flight-physics-and-fixes/.

Mike Barber PhD scholar in Biomechanics at Victoria University and, Australian

Institute of Sport. “Science of the Spear: Biomechanics of a Javelin Throw.” The

Conversation, The Conversation US, Inc., 30 Jan. 2018, theconversation.com/science-of-

the-spear-biomechanics-of-a-javelin-throw-29782.

Voza, Luann. “Describe the Sequence of Arm Muscle Movements in Throwing a

Javelin.” LIVESTRONG.COM, Leaf Group, 11 Sept. 2017,

www.livestrong.com/article/281327-describe-sequence-arm-muscle-movements-

throwing-javelin/.