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Lesson 2 - Javelin Throwing Skills

Throwing & Jumping Skills

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Year 4

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Javelins

1 per student (30)

Distribute around throwing area perimeter, check for damage before use

Alternative: Pool noodles, foam rockets, or tennis balls for initial practice

Sun Markers

20-30 cones

Place at 5m intervals up to 30m for distance marking

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk lines

Measuring Tapes

2 x 30m tapes

Use for accurate distance measurement and progress tracking

Alternative: Trundle wheel or pre-marked ground distances

Video Device

1 tablet/laptop

Pre-loaded with Jan Zelezny throwing technique video

Alternative: Printed images of javelin technique

Key Vocabulary

Javelin

A lightweight spear-like implement thrown for distance in athletics

Stance

The balanced starting position with feet shoulder-width apart

Extension

Straightening the throwing arm up and away from the body during release

Rotation

Turning the hips and shoulders to generate power in the throw

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throwing motion

Release Point

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

Consistent application of all three throwing phases

Measurable improvement in throwing distance

Ability to coach others using technical vocabulary

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