JAVELIN THROWING

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 20 February 1932, Page 10

JAVELIN THROWING

TRAINING METHODS S. A. LAY’S ADVICE (By “Physical Culturist.’’) It is extremely unlikely that Stan. Lay will ever represent New- Zealand at overseas games again, not that he has lost his zest for athletics, but because he has now settled down in his business at Stratford, which, with the calls of home, does not allow much time to train. The fact remains that he won three Taranaki championships at the recent meeting at Hawera, i.e., the discus, Javelin and 120 yards hurdles. The time is now opportune to write something of his training and throwing methods, for although others have undoubtedly assisted him to climb to his present pinnacle, he never would have been so successful had he not had the natural physique, plus scientific training, powers of observation, will power, initiative and temperament, each of which is necessary to success.

It is not given to all athletes to achieve success with the javelin. One may rank with champions in other branches of athletics and yet only reach a comparatively moderate distance with the javelin. As an illustration, when in reminiscent mood Stan, related the following: It was when returning from Chicago to Hamilton when over at the Empire Games. Lord Burghley and Stan, were sitting together in the train comparing athletics and athletes, when Lord Burghley exclaimed, “I often wonder how you throw such a distance. I often practice with the javelin, but I nevOr get past (I think he said) 140 feet.” “Ob, that's nothing,” replied Lay. “Back home I sometimes have a go at the 120 hurdles.” And then they both smiled. Each is a champion in his own specialty, but in any other branch they can do with a start. When one takes up athletics he is well advised to find out what suits him best, then concentrate on it. It may mean self-denial, hut if the material is there the time spent will bring its own reward. Lay did not rise superior without hard work and much time spent in studying the moves which suited him best until he perfected a style which is essentiallv his own.

Long before the writer made his acquaintance Lay had made his mark among javelin throwers, having alreadv a record of 205 ft 11)in. It was in the winter of 1927 that a mutual friend brought us together, from which time Stan. practised deep breathing and body building exercises. To anyone who has the natural gift the advice given by Lay should be of great assistance. Sometimes when I have solicited his heln for some budding javelin thrower his first question has -been. “What is he like at throwing a stone or a cricket ball? It is useless of him wasting his time unless he lias a natural gift of throwing.” In the “New Zealand Sportsman” the following article on throwing the javelin by Stan. Lay was published: Before anyone can he even a medium class javelin thrower he must he a good natural thrower of stones or balls, for upon this natural ability only can good javelin men be made. It is only after years of training, practice and concentration that one can get the best results from the ability. Li throwing the javelin every part ol the body, from the feet to the brain, is used in perfect- sequence and timing. THE BEN TIP. The run up to the throwing hoard is steady and sure rather than fast. When the actual throw starts both feet should he on the ground, well apart, the right foot pointing to the right and the left foot nearly to the front. When the actual pull commences the hips are turned to the front and the arm is brought over the shoulder near the right ear, the arm being bent at the elbow. As the arm goes further forward and upwards the right leg- comes from the hack, and as the bodv is turned to the left a spring is made into the air, off the left foot, to complete the follow through, as the javelin goes into the air.

Always try to keep the javelin pointing- in the direction in which you are going to throw. Get someone to stand in front of you to watch this point, as it is a very common mistake to tilt it out to the right juist- as the throw commences. Never point the iavelin too high in the air—nearly horizontal is correct —and get height hv palming it up whilst in a horizontal position. For practice a bamhoo stick is quite good enough and will not break. A weighted point is not necessary for training. The hack of the cord should he about four inches Tiehind the point of balance (where T have mentioned cord that is the corded grip on the iavelin).

CTUP. The correct grip is with the top points of the thumb and index finger gripping at the back edge of the cord. The remaining fingers are placed lightly around the binding to steady the javelin and give it direction. Any quickening exercises are good to keep the body in good trim. Throwing a tennis ball against a wall is the best training for the arm and throwing muscles generally, and is not likely to tire the muscles. Never try to do a lot of hard throwing if you have not done any for some months, as the sudden strain is likely l to put the arm cut of throwing order for all time. Start off with a- few loosening arm exercises, such as club swinging, and then have a few steady throws with .a ball. Continue this for the first week or so, and then, when you try to throw with all your speed, the jerk of the body will not he so noticeable. Too much throwing of this kind is not advisable. as it will have a tiring effect; twice a week is enough for training with the javelin and about a dozen throws are ample. Don’t throw your hardest everv time. Gradually work rip to it and always watch for istvle. as strength and speed are wasted if not put in at the right place and time. It is best not to throw the javelin for three or four days before any big meeting. Keep your energy until it is time to throw. A few gentle “warminsr up” throws arc necessary then. There are mam- different stvles of th rowing, and for further details read any of Captain Webster’s articles on

this act. Don't be disappointed if you can’t throw more than 100 feet to start with, as L .was nearly three years before I could throw more than 140 feet, and then it came all of a sudden. Any young chap who can throw a cricket hall, over 100 yards should make a really good javelin man if coached accordingly.