Round the corner !

[pembrokian]

Dear all, seeking to correct a technical problem with a young lady thrower.

Whilst she keeps a nice, high and straight arm and strikes well she has got a "quirk" where she delivers the javelin at about 1 O'Clock (where the centre line can be considered as being 12) but by the time it lands it's pointing to 11 O'Clock. If you saw the throw but not the thrower, you'd swear she was bowling it.

She's right handed, sends it out slightly to the right and it comes in pointing slightly to the left.

So how can I get her to straighten up ?

I've tried the "throw straight or the puppy gets it" approach, but to no avail.

Any suggestions ?

[sam]

ah something that kike has a problem with. Does her throwing hand end up in the opposite pocket on her trousers?!? You need to get her to throw "inside the point" so that her hand ends up in the pocket the same side as her arm. In my experience there is usually a hint of pulling to the left (right handed thrower) when throwing which will also contribute to the swing from right side of the middle line to the left. Have a look from behind and see if she is droping her left arm down to her left and crunching down on her left hip. (bear with me this is probably a bit dis-jointed) this will pull her away from the centre line as she is starting to throw so while her arm is trying to throw where she had the javelin pointing it is pulled to the left (because it's attached to the body) at the last moment causing a sideways movement on the spear.

[pembrokian]

Sam, I'll pinch the missus' camera next week and film it from behind. I've a suspicion that it is (at least in part) down to the way she wraps her gripping hand round the jav.

I was always taught "palm up", but she's started actually having her palm slightly facing left (on advice from an ex-international Cuban). It looks uncomfortable and awkward but she does like it - I remain unconvinced.

[carrie]

Another thing to try could be the grip - if she doesn't use it already, see how she gets on with the V grip. With another finger on the thumb side of the javelin, it helps keep the palm under the javelin more and I've found lessens 'tweaking' to one side by the hand. The javelin should then be more in line with the elbow, shoulder and body when at its highest point and be in line with the direction of forward momentum at release rather than slightly off at an angle.
Then Sam's point about where the hand comes through after release comes into force here.

Hope this helps.
PS. I use this grip myself and was never asked to change it by either of my coaches when I was younger.

[pembrokian]

Thank you both for allowing me to pick your brains.

[sam]

it's ok.. i often find it difficult to put into words what i mean in a coaching sense. it's always easier for me to physically manipulate and demonstrate and speak to the athlete..

[carrie]

You're welcome - let us know how she gets on!

[sam]

any luck with this athlete yet? video forthcomming?

[pembrokian]

She hasn't been down since; it's difficult for her to get to the track. I'll nudge her tomorrow.

[pembrokian]

What I meant was "I'll nudge her to turn up tomorrow" !

[sam]

nice save

[pembrokian]

Here she is, and a fine lass she is too I might add.

www.pembrokian.co.uk/DSCF1619.AVI

Apologies but (for some reason) the clip is "on its side" and I haven't found a way to upright it.

[Administrator]

I've spun it round for you and added a little slow-mo after.

www.thejavelinclub.com/videoedit.html

James

[pembrokian]

That you very much, you're a gentleman.

[pembrokian]

Silence - I guess she's beyond salvation then !

I'll make a champion out of her - then move onto Kelly !