Lesson 2 - Javelin Throwing Skills
Throwing & Jumping Skills
•Year 4
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to throw a javelin as far as possible whilst maintaining safety?
Learning Objectives
- To develop proper javelin throwing technique using stance, grip, extension, rotation and weight transfer
- To understand how body mechanics affect throwing distance in athletics
- To evaluate and improve javelin throwing performance through peer assessment
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct javelin grip and stance
- Students will apply the three phases of throwing (extension, rotation, weight transfer) to increase distance
- Students will assess their partner's technique and suggest improvements
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around throwing area perimeter, check for damage before use
Alternative: Pool noodles, foam rockets, or tennis balls for initial practice
Place at 5m intervals up to 30m for distance marking
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk lines
Use for accurate distance measurement and progress tracking
Alternative: Trundle wheel or pre-marked ground distances
Pre-loaded with Jan Zelezny throwing technique video
Alternative: Printed images of javelin technique
Key Vocabulary
A lightweight spear-like implement thrown for distance in athletics
The balanced starting position with feet shoulder-width apart
Straightening the throwing arm up and away from the body during release
Turning the hips and shoulders to generate power in the throw
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throwing motion
The exact moment when the javelin leaves the hand
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills from ball games
- Understanding of throwing for accuracy vs distance
- Knowledge of athletic throwing events
Current Skills
- Javelin grip and stance technique
- Three-phase throwing method (extension, rotation, weight transfer)
- Peer assessment and evaluation skills
Next Steps
- Advanced javelin throwing with approach run
- Other throwing events: shot put and discus
- Competitive throwing in athletics meets
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety is paramount - establish clear throwing zones and enforce them strictly
- Emphasise technique development over distance achievement throughout the lesson
- Use the three-phase progression to build understanding systematically
- Connect biomechanical principles to practical throwing improvement
- Encourage quality peer assessment using specific technical vocabulary
- Maintain focus on personal improvement rather than competition with others
- Link learning to real athletics and Olympic performance examples
Common Misconceptions
- Believing that throwing harder automatically means throwing further - emphasise technique over force
- Thinking the arm does all the work - highlight the importance of whole-body movement
- Assuming distance is the only measure of success - focus on technique quality and consistency
- Not understanding why the phases must be performed in sequence - explain the biomechanical chain
- Believing that peer assessment is just about finding faults - teach positive, constructive feedback
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive reinforcement, movement built into all activities
dyspraxia
- Break skills into smaller steps, extra practice time, simplified equipment, focus on effort over precision
autism spectrum
- Clear, structured routine, visual sequence cards for throwing phases, quiet area available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured javelins and markers, provide verbal descriptions of technique, use textured throwing line markers
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for safety commands
physical disability
- Seated throwing variations, lighter equipment, modified throwing distances, alternative grip methods
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, calculating improvements, comparing data, using statistics to analyse performance
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, biomechanics of human movement, understanding trajectory and gravity effects
Geography
Olympic Games locations, countries famous for athletics, understanding global sporting participation
PSHE
Setting personal goals, supporting others, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at side of throwing line to observe all students while staying clear of throwing zone
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, safe javelin handling, proper throwing technique, and peer interaction quality
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety violations, provide technique support when students struggle, mediate peer assessment difficulties
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate techniques slowly and clearly, emphasise safety positioning, show common mistakes and corrections
Verbal Cues
- •'Grip secure but relaxed'
- •'Javelin points away from people'
- •'Rotate hips first, then shoulders'
- •'Extend up and away on release'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 20m outdoor area with clear throwing zone, adequate space behind throwing line
Surface Check
Level grass or athletics track, free from holes, stones or other hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check foam/plastic javelins for cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure javelins are age-appropriate weight and size
- •Count javelins before and after lesson
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Javelin striking other students
- •Students entering throwing area during activity
- •Shoulder or arm strain from poor technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear throwing line with no students behind throwers
- •Mark throwing zone boundaries clearly with cones
- •Ensure adequate spacing (2m minimum) between throwers
- •All throwing in same direction only
- •Clear 'stop' signal for immediate halt if needed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students and throwing area simultaneously
- •Enforce throwing line discipline strictly
- •Monitor technique to prevent overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure remaining students are safe