Javelin Photosequence

Introduction

Photosequence of Steve Backley in 1992 - comments by Max Jones.

Photo 1	Photos 1 & 2: These are taken after the withdrawal of the javelin and have been preceded by a ten stride approach run. Steve uses 5-6 strides between withdrawal and the cross over phase. Note the effort to keep tall and the javelin steady and aligned.

Photo 2

Photo 3	Photos 3 & 4 Steve commences the cross-over with excellent left leg drive. Note the high throwing hand with the hand turn slightly in. The left shoulder is high with the left palm turned out which assists in keeping the left side to the direction of the javelin. The eyes focussing on a mid-field point are looking over the left shoulder.

Photo 4

Photo 5	Photo 5: Steve maintains his sideways on position with the whole of the left side still in direction of the throw. Hips and chest are kept high and the head is up and steady.

Photo 6	Photos 6-9: On the completion of the cross-over it is natural for all throwers to sink to absorb the shock of landing, but Steve fights this tendency, endeavouring to stay tall. It is a negative point to sink at the right hip for it will lose its strike capacity. Still sideways on which has produced 'torque' and he has kept the throwing arm relaxed and delayed. It is essential to control the point of the javelin at this moment - many throwers drop the throwing hand and subsequently raise the point with disastrous results. The hip strike begins as the right foot lands.

Photo 7

Photo 8

Photo 9

Photo 10	Photo 10: Steve benefits from his left side discipline since premature opening of the left side will mean that the right arm will strike early e.g.: the classical bent arm throwing position. Steve attempts to stay as tall as possible and keep the javelin aligned. Note how the right foot continues to turn and drive the hips forward.

Photo 11	Photo 11: Classical Backley - strong hip drive leaving the javelin far back on a high right hand. The left leg is firm, absorbing the power of the right side and acting as a brace.

Photo 12	Photo 12: The 'bow' that javelin coaches talk about - note how the arm has yet to strike. How many world class throwers can emulate this position? Note how Steve continues to keep both his head and chin up.

Photo 13	Photo 13: Perhaps, in my opinion, the key to Steve's superiority - the drive of the right foot continues even at this point (and beyond) - the rest of the world (mere mortals!) would have ceased driving and left the ground well before. Note the left leg is not collapsing but beginning to strike upwards and forwards to contribute to the throw.

Photo 14	Photo 14: The right foot is still down and therefore the throw is too long - lose contact and the throw will be short.

Photo 15	Photos 15 & 16: Steve finishes the throw and follows through - throwing through the point of the javelin.

Photo 16