Ancient Sports - Javelin Throwing

What is the javelin throwing?

The sport is that the player must take a position in a specific area and throw the javelin without moving from the place where it is located. The greater the distance the player can throw the javelin, the better his score will be when we talk about competition

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History of javelin throwing

In ancient times, the javelin was an instrument of war and an artifact that was used for survival since it was used as a method for hunting and fishing. It was the size of the hunter, thin and sharp on the tip, which became round during competitions. There are indications of paintings and archaeological discoveries that date back to the Chinese people around 4000 BC, it was used by Egyptians as well. It was previously called a spear or spear.

Technique

It is one of the most difficult techniques of athletics, with an acceleration and deceleration technique that is transmitted to the javelin by means of the arm. Three different grip techniques are important:

The grip with the index and thumb fingers: the thrower must embrace the javelin with these two fingers surrounding it to the hilt and then wrapping it with the whole hand. It is known as American grip.
The grip with the middle finger and thumb: in this technique the athlete must take the javelin with these fingers leaving the index finger below the javelin. It is known as Finnish grip.
The grip of pincer or orthopedic: the javelin should be taken with the index and ring fingers and the javelin is wrapped with the whole hand. It is known as a fork.

Javelin throw rules

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1- The order of the competitors will be drawn.

2- If there are more than eight players, they may make three attempts each with three additional shots.

3- If there is a tie in eighth place, competitors must make three more throws.
Players can make two practice throws.

4 - Once the competition starts the players can not use the boost zone.

5 - Each competitor will be credited with the best of their launches.

6 - The use of bandages on the hands is not allowed unless the player has a wound.

7 - The player can use a girdle to prevent damage to the spine.

8 - The javelin must be taken by the hilt and thrown over the shoulder. Orthodox styles are not allowed.

9 - The throwing will be invalid if the tip of the metal pod of the javelin fails to touch ground before another part of it.

10 - The player must not cross parallel lines.

11 - If the player touches with his body the lines drawn will be disqualified.

12 - The player can not leave the impulse zone until the javelin lands.

13 - An incorrect release will be considered as an essay, but void.

Phases of javelin throwing

The phases of the javelin throw are the following:

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Initial position: it is the phase in which the javelin is held by its center of gravity or grip, then with the palm of the hand facing upward it closes the fist tightly to hold the javelin better. It should be observed in front, place the trunk upright and place the javelin at the height of the head. The arm that has the javelin must be open and flexed at the level of the elbow.

Race: the goal is to achieve the highest speed to obtain more power. The race that takes place must be progressively until reaching the launch area.

Final steps: in this phase there are five different steps. The first, after placing the left leg forward the legs to the trunk at the same time you take the arm that holds the javelin back. The second step is done with the right leg carrying the javelin back placing the tip at the level of our face. The third step is performed with the outer edges of the heel, the javelin will continue going backwards, the shoulders must make a 90-degree turn to the right pointing to the throwing area and aligning the javelin with the shoulders. The fourth step is the driving step in which the right leg crosses to the left above the knee, the step should be broad but firm. The fifth step consists of the hips and legs forward arching the trunk back, at which time the hips push the troco up and forward.

Recovery: after the javelin is thrown the body must maintain forward movement to cushion the impulse by means of the flexion of the knees and hips, to avoid disrespecting the regulation.
Track

The track is marked by two parallel lines 4 m apart from each other. The launch line is 7 cm wide. The center of this aisle is located between the track mark lines. From this main point, two lines extend beyond the launch line until reaching a distance of 90 meters. All launches must fall between these two lines.

Area

The area on the launch track must have a length between 32 m. and 36.5 m., and a width of about 4 m. The arc or front limit of the race track must be a curved line painted in white, it can be made of wood or metal, or it can also be painted directly on the ground. The sector lines begin at 8 meters from an interior point of the arch and extend to marking flags at an angle of 29º.

Sneakers

Nail shoes should be used which have different holes in their soles, approximately between four and seven, in which special nails are screwed to the sole. These nails are placed with the aim of providing protection and greater stability to the feet when they adhere to the ground. The most common are pyramidal, compression and needle.