Karl Wilson

P.E. Assessment

What skill have I just seen?

The skill I have just seen was a Javelin Throw in/at………..and the conditions were…………

What was the outcome?

The outcome was that the javelin……………..

What level is the performer at?

The performer looks to be at a Performance level in relation to the performance pyramid - This is where participants are committed to their activity and take part in formal competitions.  They are keen to improve and reach goals and targets and they do this by receiving coaching.  E.g. Higher athletics clubs and Regional Squads like North West Squad.  I can judge this by how Aesthetic the skill looks and the outcome of the distance thrown.

Strengths & Why

The performer is maintaining a straight body position with the javelin.  This enables the performer to use their entire upper part of the body to launch the javelin with the right arm and through the point.

Keeping the right elbow high and bringing the javelin through at a speed.  This makes sure that the tip of the javelin lands first.  This also helps with following through the point.

Following through the point allows all of the force to travel towards the point from the handle, therefore maximum distance is achieved.  If the performer did not throw through the point, the distance of throw would have reduced and the tail may land first causing a foul.  

The speed of the run up is at a moderate pace which means that the performer is not rushing, which may lead to faults in technique, and also not too slow, so that there is momentum for the throw.

The performers left arm is being put to good use as a way of balance.  Without the left arm being placed out towards the throwing direction helps the body maintain a straight position.

Weaknesses & Why

The speed of the Initial throwing arm appeared to be slow.  This could be a result of a lack of Explosive Strength.  The idea to have a fast throwing arm is to enable the javelin to be pulled through using the entire body and releasing at a high speed.  Basically, the faster the javelin is released, the further it will go.

The throwing stance just before release appears to be very low down, or the legs are too far apart. This may be because of the performer lacks balance, therefore the wider stance is needed not to fall over.  Having a shorter stance when placing the last leg onto the ground will enable the performer to use their legs to push off the ground and transfer the energy through the body and into the momentum of the javelin.

The performer neck is bending too far back, and this is dangerous due to the amount of speed used when releasing the javelin, can result in an injury.  It may be because the performer is watching the flight of the javelin, while it is best to keep the head at a level position.

The performer seems to be throwing using only their upper body.  Ideally, the upper body should be cooperating with the legs so that the entire body is being used to throw.

Initial stance, grip and preparation

The initial stance is basically having both feet together, with the whole body facing forwards in the direction of the throw.  The right arm carrying the javelin is above the head with the tip slightly tilted forwards, ensuring that the elbow is neatly tucked in front of the face.  The left arm is relaxing to the left of the body.

A strong, stable grip is required. The grip must remain firm behind the ledge made by the cord, and the javelin must run down the length of the palm and not across it. The fingers, which are not secured behind the binding, must press firmly on the javelin in order to produce a natural spin at release.

The distance from the throw line is just at the right distance to fit in the entire travel and throwing action without crossing the line.  

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The aim is to carry the javelin so as to allow the muscles of the right shoulder, arm and wrist to relax and also to allow an easy running action.

  • Stand with right foot forward
  • Carry the javelin above the shoulders or head
  • Right elbow points forward
  • Palm of the right hand points at the sky so as to provide a platform for the javelin to sit in
  • Javelin points in the direction of the run up - point slightly down

Travel and Truck position

The travel to the throw line ...

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