Lesson 2 - Javelin Throwing for Distance
Advanced Athletic Power and Precision Development
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to throw the javelin as far as possible while maintaining safety and accuracy?
Learning Objectives
- Develop understanding of throwing for distance using javelin technique
- Learn to use body rotation and weight transfer to increase throwing power
- Apply correct javelin grip, stance and release timing for maximum distance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the three phases of javelin throwing: stance/grip, rotation, and weight transfer
- Students will understand how body mechanics affect throwing distance
- Students will evaluate their own and peers' throwing technique for improvement
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around throwing area perimeter, check for damage before use
Alternative: Pool noodles, foam rockets, or lightweight throwing sticks
Place at 5m intervals from 10m to 40m to mark distances
Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines on grass
For accurate distance measurement and lane setup
Alternative: Metre rulers, pre-marked pitch
Weatherproof sheets for outdoor recording
Alternative: Tablet devices, mental recording
Key Vocabulary
A light throwing spear used in athletics competitions
Fully stretching the throwing arm away from the body at release
Turning the hips and shoulders to generate power in the throw
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw
The exact moment when you let go of the javelin for optimal distance
The way you position your feet and body before throwing
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing technique from Unit 1
- Understanding of throwing for accuracy vs distance
- Experience with different throwing implements
Current Skills
- Javelin grip and stance
- Body rotation for power generation
- Weight transfer mechanics
- Release timing and extension
Next Steps
- Advanced javelin technique with run-up approach
- Competition tactics and strategy
- Other throwing events (shot put, discus)
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety is paramount - javelins never point at people
- Technique before power - distance comes from good form
- Three phases must be coordinated: stance/grip, rotation, weight transfer
- Hip rotation generates power, arm follows through
- Extension at release maximises distance and accuracy
- Practice phases separately before combining
- Peer feedback develops observation and communication skills
Common Misconceptions
- Throwing harder always means throwing further - emphasise technique over force
- Only the arm matters in throwing - highlight whole body involvement
- Weight transfer is optional - show how it multiplies power
- Rotation is just turning - explain hip-driven power generation
- Grip doesn't matter - demonstrate how finger grip affects control
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter practice bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement, specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Extra time for technique practice, simplified movement patterns, additional support for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual technique cards, quiet zones for breaks, predictable lesson format
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured javelins, clear verbal descriptions of technique, tactile guidance for grip and stance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written technique cards, clear visual signals
physical disability
- Seated throwing version, lighter equipment, shorter distances, adapted grip if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances accurately, comparing measurements, angles of release, data recording and analysis
Science
Forces and motion, leverage and rotation, energy transfer through body segments, biomechanics
Geography
Understanding direction and distance, spatial awareness, using measuring tools accurately
PSHE
Setting realistic goals, resilience when facing challenges, supporting others, celebrating improvement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand to side of throwing area with clear view of all lanes, never in front of throwers
Observation Focus
Watch for safety compliance, technique development through phases, and peer interaction quality
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety issues, provide technique corrections during practice, support struggling students
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with safety paramount, use slow motion for complex movements, emphasise key technique points visually
Verbal Cues
- •'Javelin points away from people!'
- •'Feel the rotation from your hips!'
- •'Extend high and forward!'
- •'Weight starts on back foot!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m with clear run-off space beyond throwing area
Surface Check
Level grass or all-weather surface free from holes, debris and standing water
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check foam javelins for damage, cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure adequate number of distance markers and boundary cones
- •Verify measuring equipment is accurate and safe to use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Javelin strikes from throwing in wrong direction
- •Collisions in throwing area
- •Trips and falls over equipment
- •Muscle strains from inadequate warm-up
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes established with cones
- •All throwing in same direction only
- •No entry to throwing area during activity
- •Comprehensive warm-up targeting throwing muscles
- •Constant supervision and safety reminders
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all throwing lanes simultaneously
- •Monitor equipment handling continuously
- •Enforce throwing direction discipline
- •Watch for students entering throwing area
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid as appropriate, call for additional help if needed