 Throwing a javelin looks like such a simple operation. Once you learn to hold it properly, you just run and heave it as hard as you can. But it's not as easy as it looks. In fact, when you're first learning how do do it, you'll probably do it wrong. With the help of a student and a vector addition diagram, we'll show you how to make your javelin go farther and faster!    The hardest part in learning to throw a javelin well is how to throw the javelin while you are still running. If you watch someone who is learning to throw, you might see them run like crazy down the field, and then stop, plant their feet, and then toss the javelin. If you think about it, you will see that there is no sense in running at all, if you are going to stop before throwing. The purpose of the run is to add your speed to that of the throw. Here's a simple vector diagram to illustrate how the speeds add together:  The faster you can run, the more speed you can add to the javelin when you throw it. What makes throwing a javelin difficult to do well is that it is not easy to run fast carrying a javelin, and it is not easy to throw hard while you are running fast! When you come to a stop to throw a javelin, all the effort of the run is wasted ... none of that speed gets transferred to the javelin! You might make a better throw, but will never surpass someone who has learned to throw well while still running. Of course, mastering the 'run and throw' is not all there is to learning how to throw a javelin, and we aren't attempting here to show you how to excel at the sport. That's for your coach! |