Components of Fitness for Javelin

When throwing a javelin you cannot rely on entire strength and power. You wouldn’t think it but to be a successful, international javelin thrower you have to be quick.

If you have ever seen a javelin thrower training you will realise that it doesn’t solely consist of weight training and technique work however of quite a large element of speed work such as short sprints to get the different muscles needed, working. The main reason they include speed work in their training programme is that on the run way speed converts into distance. A test that can be carried out to prove this is to simply launch the javelin for a stationary position several times and record each accurate distance in a table and then to do the same but with the added component of speed. Again record your results and then compare. 9 times out of 10, you will find that the throw with the added run up will give you a greater distance. This is why speed is such an important competent of fitness for a javelin thrower.

Another very important component is balance. The reason for this is whilst you are sprinting down the runway you have to control the javelin and ensure that your upper body is stable. This also link with muscular endurance and strength training as your core muscles need to be able to control the movement (to a minimum) of the upper body to make sure that it is balanced while the throw is in process. In the latter stages of the run up the thrower is required to do several cross over steps whilst the javelin is extended in the preferred arm. This also endures good balance as without it the athlete would more than likely become unsteady resulting in the javelin being released at the incorrect angle and in the wrong direction, which will cause a foul throw.

In summary, I think the four most important components for a javelin thrower are:

*Strength (linked with power)

*Muscular endurance

*Speed

*Balance