Agility:
This is the ability to change direction quickly, efficiently, accurately, and combining speed with balance, power and coordination.
Agility is important to throwing the javelin. The body needs to change direction 900 at the torso. Speed is needed (as above) which needs balance so that the force of throwing the javelin travels through the point. This enables a greater distance thrown. Coordination is needed to be combined as when doing the technique at speed, all the limbs of the body need to be in different positions which at times can be difficult.
Balance:
This is the ability to maintain equilibrium. To be balanced, one must keep ones centre of gravity over its area of support.
Balance is very important in throwing the javelin. Many times during the phase of throwing, much of the body's weight is on one foot then transferred to the other. This requires balance because without it, the technique may not work effectively or there is a chance of falling over. While throwing, the javelin, the centre of mass changes from the back leg (right) to the front leg (left) to get as much force on the throw possible.
Coordination:
This involves using the Neuro-Muscular System to produce smooth and efficient movement. It also involves putting relevant motor programmes into order.
Coordination is vital to throwing the javelin. There are a range of different movements needed to carry out the overall task of actually throwing. Firstly the legs need to be coordinated so that cross-overs can take place which is running sideways to the line. At the same time the arm must be kept in the same position. While throwing, the arms, legs and most of the upper body need to work simultaneously to enable a good throw. The body needs to rotate while the legs push off the ground and the arm pulls through and releases. These movements are useless if they are not done correctly with coordination.
Reaction Time:
This is the time between the presence of a stimulus and the initiation of a response.
There are two types:
- Simple - In an activity where there is only one option available.
- Choice - An activity when there is more than one option available to react to.
Reaction time is not relevant to throwing the javelin. It is only relevant when a mistake is made during the technique and so you have to react to it.
Power:
This is a combination of speed and strength put together.
Throwing the javelin requires a lot of power. Gaining momentum and actually throwing the javelin requires both speed and strength, therefore it is power. This is enabling a high force to be given to the javelin so that it can go as far as possible.
*Throwing Action*
