Execution of the optimum technique is the basis of high-level performance in sport. Unfortunately, however, even well-established technique can be unintentionally lost, with disastrous results for achievement. The present case study describes the design, execution, and evaluation of an intervention to aid the recovery of optimum technique in an elite javelin thrower. Using contrast style drills, in association with mental skills to promote effective learning, the intervention worked on critical performance factors identified through three-dimensional kinematic analyses. Analysis of the performer’s technique at a recent major championship provided a comparison of these performance factors and, therefore, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the intervention.

In the men's javelin event the athlete throws an 800g implement into a 40 degrees sector. The objective is to throw as far as possible. Compared with most other throwing implements, the javelin is relatively aerodynamic. Even so, the most important release parameter is still the release speed. Maximising this parameter gives the athlete the best chance of attaining success in the event. For an elite thrower, as much as 70% of the release speed of the javelin is developed in the last 0.1 second. As such, the movements of throwers during this period and immediately preceding it have received attention from researchers. It would appear that a thrower's body position at the instant of final foot strike, his ability to transfer momentum between the lower body and the upper body during the delivery, and coordination of the working body segments in the most effective manner are linked to his success in the event. This paper reviews the most important biomechanical research on the men's javelin throw and highlights findings such as these which may improve the understanding of how elite javelin throwers achieve success.

This paper reports a three-dimensional kinematic analysis of the best throws from the women's and men's javelin competitions at the 1991 World Student Games in Sheffield. This was undertaken to obtain accurate three-dimensional release parameter values for elite javelin throwers in a top competition, to relate the release parameters to important temporal and kinematic features of the javelin throwing technique and to carry out an assessment of the adequacy of two-dimensional estimates of release parameter values in comparison with those from the three-dimensional analysis. Cine-film was taken using two phase-locked Panasonic 1PL cameras running at a frame rate of 100 Hz, and every other frame was digitized. All methodologies were in accord with the guidelines of the British Association of Sports Sciences. The results indicated the possibility of two different throwing techniques, within and between individuals, relating both to the timing of hip joint actions within the kinematic chain and the trade-off between the impulse applied to the javelin and run-up speed. The results also indicated that important release parameter values assessed from the xz-plane alone differed only marginally from those from three dimensions. The extra information obtainable from three-dimensional analysis (such as angle of sideslip, incidence magnitude, azimuth angle, angle of track and yaw rate) along with the poor representation of the time-course of important variables obtained from the xz-plane makes the three-dimensional analysis of this event essential. This is further strengthened by the practical use of three-dimensional analysis in allowing coaches and throwers the opportunity to view the event from any perspective. Recommendations for future research include further three-dimensional kinematic analyses with priority being given to assessing ways of estimating wind conditions around the javelin runway and of incorporating the vibrations of the javelin within the analysis.

This study compared three-dimensional release parameters and important features of the throwing technique for male javelin throwers of three different skill levels (elite, club, novice), recorded using three-dimensional cine or video. As expected, significant differences (p < .01) in throw distances and release speeds were found between all three groups. The only other release parameter for which a significant difference was found (between club and novice groups) was the yaw angle. The increase in release speed with increasing skill across the groups may be attributable in part to greater run-up speeds. Also important were significantly greater peak speeds of the throwing shoulder, elbow, and hand during the delivery stride for the elite group compared to the other groups. Significantly longer acceleration paths at the start of the delivery stride and a delay in elbow flexion until after final foot strike for the elite throwers were also important in generating greater release speeds.

This article considers interesting differences between the mental focus employed by an elite athlete javelin thrower (E1) when contrasted with three international standard javelin throwers (I1, I2, I3). Athletes’ mental focus was recorded in both competition and training using self-report measures. In addition, kinematic analysis through point of release was examined for both categories of athlete. In both conditions, E1 demonstrated lower patterns of movement variability. Interestingly, a contrasting mental focus was recorded among athletes I1, I2, and I3 when compared with athlete E1. Tentative conclusions are drawn concerning the optimum sources of information for athletes before task execution in self-paced athletic events.