Javelin Videos Now Available

If you are looking for javelin videos to help with your javelin training HowtoThrowtheJavelin.com (for a limited time only) have added a Javelin Video compilation as a bonus when you get a copy of the How to Throw the Javelin (Properly!) e-book. The compilation contains a list of links to loads of relevant javelin videos. We've waded through hours of footage and only the best javelin video are included - we've weeded out all the not so good and not so relevant ones. Some show specific javelin throwing or javelin training techniques, others show the Pro's at their best (and we can always learn something from the Pro's).

So get on over to HowtoThrowtheJavelin.com and get your copy now. (P.S. all normal benefits still apply i.e. FREE bonus "Follow the Rules! - Javelin Throw" ebook worth $20, a complete guide to throwing javelin with loads of javelin tips, 100% money back guarantee.)

5 Things you need to Throw Javelin

The Javelin Throw requires a number of things to be right to get those long distances. But these are my Top 5 of things that you need to start throwing:

1. A Javelin



Of course! You can’t throw a javelin without a Javelin. If you are only starting out, you should check with your local athletics teams. Being able to use a club's Javelin not only saves you forking out for your own but will also enable you to get started quicker and get a feel for the event.

If you do wish to buy your javelin I highly recommend a Nordic – the BEST brand in the World for Javelins!!! There are other makes like Sandvik which are high quality also. If you are just a beginner you needn’t worry too much about this.



When choosing a Javelin to buy or use (whether in training or competition) there are two major considerations:

· The correct weight for your age group/gender. The standard weight for women is 600grammes and for Men is 800grammes. Javelins are also generally available in 400, 500 and 700gram weights also. Some stockists also have special children's sizes and foam training aids which (look a bit like 3 foot rockets but) can be used INDOORS! Make sure you train with the correct weight or come competition day and you will be at a HUGE disadvantage!

· International standards. The main concern here is centre of gravity. Some older models of Javelin are not approved for competition as their centre of gravity is different. Always check the competition rules AND double check that the javelin has a little sticker that usually says IAAF Approved.



2. Javelin SPIKES

These are your throwing shoes! Heel spikes are VITAL in order to avoid slipping and to generate the thrust you need when planting your foot. Without spikes in the heel you risk SLIPPING which can be very dangerous with enough momentum behind you and particularly if there has been any rain. Some equipment stockists sell a heel clip like below, which you can attach to normal running spikes. This is a very economical solution if you already have a pair of spikes.



3. Coordination

Unlike our hammer, discus and shot putting counterparts, we do not rely so much on strength and muscle as coordination and rhythm! It is the combination of many many little things that makes the Javelin go further! Being able to combine all these little things will get that Javelin going further.



4. Rhythm

A full throw contains a number of steps and requires your body to be in tune with a number of points. Having natural rhythm or developing your rhythym makes this so much easier.



5. A Routine

Every athlete needs a training routine. It should not be sooo repetitive that you get bored but it should enable you to work on the different aspects of the throw and developing the right types of muscle in a structured way. Repetition of the little things regularly will program them into your body and make them soo much easier to achieve naturally when you are throwing.

Some of these steps are clearly easier to follow than others! If you need further information please ensure that you seek out complete and accurate information. This will avoid risking injury. Only take advice from coaches or athletes with real practical experience in this event.

My e-book "How to Throw the Javelin (Properly!)" is the first publication of it's kind and focuses on making this complicated throwing event a lot simpler for the athlete.

Get your copy at HowtoThrowtheJavelin.com

The Function of Your Hip in Javelin Throwing

Throwing Javelin is a full body workout. All of your body parts interact to propel that Javelin further. Of all your body parts though, the role of your hip is fundamental. Why? Thrust, thrust and more thrust! As you start to throw the javelin turning on your toes creates momentum which transfers through your hip. Forcing your hip forward while holding your throwing arm back creates a bow-like tension and allows all of the force created from your toes to your hip travel through to your throwing arm. The effectiveness of this tension depends on how fast and how far forward your hip goes while you maintain your straight throwing arm. Bringing your arm through to throw from this position releasing the tension creates ‘snap’ in your throwing and the javelin will zip out! If your hip comes through at the same time as your arm you lose out on all of this momentum and force. If your arm comes through before your hip you will literally be throwing with your arm. Also, the whole point of taking a run up is to create momentum. The momentum comes from your legs but if this does not transfer through your hip you may as well be taking a standing throw. This hip thrust technique takes lots of practice to get right. What I recommend is the following: Stand sideways to your throwing direction with arms up (throwing arm straight back, blocking arm straight towards the throwing direction). Step out with your planting foot and as it lands push off the toes of your other foot. Twist on your ankle, your knee will follow and then force that back hip through and stop. This is an extremely quick movement. Start off slowly so that you can see what is happening but as you get comfortable force it through at speed. Try to maintain your upper body position i.e. facing sideways and there is no need to have the javelin in hand. Then REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT!!! If you find it difficult to keep your upper body facing sideways try the following: Find your nearest pole or end of a wall, etc. Grab it with your throwing hand at around head height. Turn your body away from the wall until you can feel a slight stretch across your pecs/shoulder. Put your blocking arm straight out in front of you. Step out with your planting leg, rotate on your other foot and push your hip forward beyond the position of your shoulder. You should really feel the tension through your hip, up your side to your shoulder.

For more on how to develop thrust get your copy of How to Throw the Javelin (Properly!).