KS3 · Physical education · Year 7
Javelin technique
Athletics: run, jump, throw and officiate
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can accurately perform an efficient javelin throw in practice conditions.
1 of 10
Javelin technique: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.
What you’ll learn
I can accurately perform an efficient javelin throw in practice conditions.
Key learning points
- Move: being sure not to lock your elbow at any point in the throw will help to avoid a ‘bowling’ action.
- Move: a flick of the wrist on release supports the correct flight for the javelin to land nose first.
- Think: releasing the javelin one step from the foul line enables a follow through step after release to maximise power.
- Feel: being comfortable with managing and throwing the javelin comes from repetition and practice.
- Connect: acting as a coach to fix errors in technique can help others to make progress much quicker than learning alone.
Words to know
- pencil grip
- a way of holding the javelin similar to how you might hold a pencil
- follow through
- the movement that occurs after the javelin is released
- release
- the moment you let go of the javelin
Common mistakes
A common mistake pupils make is using a 'bowling' style of throw in which the throwing arm remains straight throughout the action.
Ask pupils to think about pulling the javelin through, with the elbow leading first.
For parents, carers and teachers
- As with all throwing lessons, command teaching style is required to ensure the safety of pupils. Be clear on instructions to leave no doubt about when you are happy for pupils to throw, how and when to collect the javelin and how to carry it back.