PE3 FINALS JAVELIN

The javelin throw is a track-and-field event where an athlete throws a spear (the javelin) for distance. It
has been included in the ancient Olympic Games as part of the pentathlon since 708 BC, and it has
been part of the modern Olympic Games since 1908 for men and 1932 for women. The event has
evolved from the everyday use of the spear in hunting and warfare.
In the javelin throw, the athlete gains momentum by running in a predetermined area before releasing
the javelin, typically with an over-the-shoulder motion. The javelin must land tip-first in a sector marked
on the field, and the thrower’s body must not rotate more than 360° before the release.
Key Points:
 The javelin is thrown with an over-the-shoulder motion.
 The javelin’s tip must hit the ground first within the 29° sector.
 The thrower must not step on or over the line at the end of the runway.
 Javelin throwing is part of both the men's decathlon and the women's heptathlon.
History of Javelin Throw
 Ancient Greece: The javelin throw evolved from the use of spears in hunting and warfare and
became a part of the ancient Olympic Games in 708 BC as part of the pentathlon.
 Modern Olympic Games: The javelin event was included in the modern Olympic Games for
men in 1908 and for women in 1932.
 Technological Changes:
o In 1986, the men’s javelin was redesigned to shorten throwing distances by moving its
center of gravity forward, which helped avoid throws going beyond stadiums.
o The women’s javelin was redesigned in 1999 for similar reasons.

 Notable Athletes:
o Jan Zelezny (Czech Republic) is considered the finest male javelin thrower, winning
three Olympic titles and setting a world record of 98.48m in 1996.
o Barbora Spotakova (Czech Republic) holds the women's world record at 72.28m.

o Eric Lemming, a Scandinavian, was a dominant figure in early javelin history, setting
the first official world record.
o Terje Pedersen (Norway) broke the 90-meter mark in 1964, a significant milestone.

Equipment in Javelin Throw

 Javelin Specifications:
o Men’s javelin: Length of at least 260 cm (102.4 inches) and weight of at least 800 grams
(1.8 pounds).
 o Women’s javelin: Length of at least 220 cm (86.6 inches) and weight of 600 grams (1.3
pounds).
o Both javelins are made of wood or metal and feature a sharp metal point.

o Javelin parts: The javelin consists of:

 A pointing metal head (tip).

 A shaft made of wood or metal.
 A cold grip around the center of gravity.
 The javelin must land tip-first within the 29° sector marked on the field. Any throw landing
outside the sector is considered a foul throw.

How to Play/Throw the Javelin (Technique)

1. Holding the Javelin:
o Hold the javelin firmly with both hands at a height above the head.

o Position it parallel to the ground.

2. Positioning the Body:

o Stand with both feet close together, facing the direction of the throw.

o Place the palm of the hand under the javelin, ensuring it stays parallel to the ground.

3. The Throwing Position (T Position):

o Pull the javelin back with the shoulder, keeping it parallel to the ground and facing the
throw direction.
o This position is commonly known as the T position.

4. The Throw:
o If you are a right-handed thrower, step forward with the left foot and throw the javelin
with force.
o The throwing hand should be kept high, and the throwing motion should be violent to
propel the javelin forward.

Throwing Techniques and Body Movements

 Body Movements:
o During the throw, the athlete should maintain a “C” shape with the right hand, left leg,
and the body to maximize strength.
o Elbow: Drive the elbow up to initiate the throw.
 o Shoulder: Drive forward and up with the shoulder, ensuring the hand stays high.

o Hand and Thumb: Keep the hand high and follow the javelin’s path. Turn down the
thumb during the release.
 Running Throw:
o After practicing the one-step throw, athletes can move to a running throw with either a
four-stride approach or a ten-stride approach.
o Ensure the left foot stays grounded during the throw, and the recovery is done with the
right leg stepping behind the arc line.
 Shoulders and Hips:
o The shoulders must stay parallel to the runway during the sideways turning.

o The hips should rotate clockwise during the backward movement of the javelin.

Rules and Regulations

1. Throwing Sector:
o The javelin must land within the 29° sector. Throws landing outside this area are
considered foul throws.
2. Foot Placement:
o The thrower must keep the left foot grounded during the throw. After releasing the
javelin, the thrower should step behind the arc line with the right leg.
3. Javelin Release:
o The thrower cannot rotate more than 360° before releasing the javelin.

4. Foul Throws: A throw is considered foul in the following cases:

o If the athlete steps on or over the line at the end of the runway.

o If the javelin lands outside the sector.

o If the throw is made incorrectly (e.g., improper grip or release).

o If the athlete turns back before the javelin lands.

5. Recovery after the Throw:

o The athlete must regain balance and straighten the left leg before the javelin leaves the
hand. The recovery is done with the right leg stepping behind the arc line.
6. Thrower’s Body Position:
o After the release, the athlete cannot turn around until the javelin lands.

7. Throwing Time:
 o The time allowed per throw is 1 minute. If there are fewer competitors (2-3), this is
extended. If only one competitor remains, the time is extended to 2 minutes.
8. No Practice During Competition:
o Once the competition has started, athletes are not allowed to practice on the competition
runway.
9. Prohibited Actions:
o The use of any device to assist the throw (e.g., gloves, special equipment) is strictly
prohibited.
o Tapping fingers is allowed only if the athlete has a wound.

Exam Questions with Full Details (20 Questions)

1. What is the sport of javelin throw?
o A) Throwing a ball for distance

o B) Throwing a spear for distance

o C) Running with a baton

o D) Jumping over a bar

o Answer: B

2. When was javelin first included in the Olympic Games?

o A) 708 BC

o B) 1908

o C) 1932

o D) 1964

o Answer: A

3. Who is regarded as the finest male javelin thrower in history?

o A) Uwe Hohn

o B) Eric Lemming

o C) Jan Zelezny

o D) Franklin Held

o Answer: C

4. In what year was the men’s javelin redesigned?

 o A) 1908

o B) 1986

o C) 1999

o D) 1964

o Answer: B

5. What is the minimum weight of a men’s javelin?

o A) 600 grams

o B) 700 grams

o C) 800 grams

o D) 900 grams

o Answer: C

6. What is the weight of a women’s javelin?

o A) 500 grams

o B) 600 grams

o C) 700 grams

o D) 800 grams

o Answer: B

7. What is the correct throwing motion for the javelin?

o A) Underhand throw

o B) Over-the-shoulder motion

o C) Sidearm throw

o D) Overhead throw

o Answer: B

8. Which athlete set the women’s world record in javelin with a throw of 72.28m?
o A) Barbora Spotakova

o B) Jan Zelezny

o C) Uwe Hohn

o D) Eric Lemming

o Answer: A
9. What is the required length of a men’s javelin?
o A) 2.2m

o B) 2.5m

o C) 2.6m to 2.7m

o D) 3.0m

o Answer: C

10. What is the main grip area of the javelin called?

o A) The tip

o B) The shaft

o C) The cold grip

o D) The head

o Answer: C

11. Which part of the javelin must hit the ground first?
o A) The shaft

o B) The metal grip

o C) The point (tip)

o D) The middle

o Answer: C

12. How must the thrower’s body be positioned when releasing the javelin?
o A) Completely upright

o B) Twisted with the feet off the ground

o C) With the body facing straight toward the throw direction

o D) Bent backward

o Answer: C

13. What should the left leg do during the throw?

o A) Rotate fully in a circle

o B) Bend and then straighten before release

o C) Stay stationary

o D) Jump off the ground

 o Answer: B

14. In a valid javelin throw, the athlete must not step:

o A) Over the line at the end of the runway

o B) On the tip of the javelin

o C) Across the start line

o D) Inside the throwing sector

o Answer: A

15. What should happen to the right foot after the javelin is thrown?
o A) Stay in the air

o B) Touch the ground immediately

o C) Remain in contact with the surface as long as possible

o D) Be raised high

o Answer: C

16. How many throws are allowed per athlete in javelin competition?
o A) 3

o B) 5

o C) 6

o D) 1

o Answer: A

17. Which country did javelin athlete Terje Pedersen represent?

o A) Norway

o B) Czech Republic

o C) East Germany

o D) Sweden

o Answer: A

18. What happens if an athlete steps on or beyond the line during a throw?
o A) They are disqualified

o B) The throw is considered a foul

o C) The throw is counted with a 5-meter penalty

 o D) The throw is accepted with no penalties

o Answer: B

19. What action is prohibited in javelin competition?

o A) Using a special device to assist the throw

o B) Warming up during the competition

o C) Practicing on the runway before the competition

o D) All of the above

o Answer: D

20. How should the thrower’s shoulders be aligned during the throw?
o A) Parallel to the runway during the sideways turning

o B) Completely turned away from the runway

o C) Pointing downward

o D) Not involved in the motion

o Answer: A