Re:Javelin aggression - Throwing Events Discussion

My daughter has taken up the javelin for summer track. She throws "safely". Which to me means she isn't throwing with the arm speed that I feel she can generate. What do you tell a young thrower to get them out of what is comfortable and get them to throw w/ aggression? I have her on a 5 step approach for now. I'm working w/ her on getting her right foot ahead of her shoulders, creating body lean. Something just isn't "snapping" from the ground to her hand.

I have had this problem with a number of athletes before who just don't get the snap at the end. They seem cautious and reserved in their movement.

Things that have worked for me have been to throw alternative objects, especially light objects like a tennis ball. Have her throw for distance and keep moving the mark for her to hit so that she has to move faster and faster Otherwise, try putting her near a wall and just practice snapping a ball into a wall as keep emphasizing quickness.

Also, sometimes it is just the rhythmn on the end of the throw. Try having her spend as little time on her last right and left. So literally like make it like a long jump. Quick last steps!!! (Now keep in mind this completely improper technique, so use this on a short term basis to try to teach speed).

Lastly it is hard for some athletes to feel increased speed, so get creative. I had one guy who I fastened a large pad to the top of door frame and had him practice his finishes into the pad, while focusing on hitting it harder and harder.

Good Luck, this is actually a tough thing for some to over come.

This is a good topic that you brought up and it consistently annoys me about younger throwers especially... It is very hard to teach a thrower to be more aggressive in their throwing, particularly if they are always concerned about fouling, etc. I always like the motto of "Throw Far... Throw Loud!". I always told my throwers that I want to hear them yell at the end of their throws and that it helps you to be more aggressive. Some athletes do this naturally and others are more tentative. To try to 'coach' this into them try having your throwers throw other objects like medicine balls, puds, etc. Have them compete against each other and get the competitive juices going. This is a great way to practice feeling your full body getting into a throw and to feel yourself being more aggressive. When the athlete becomes more aggressive throwing other objects where they aren't worrying about fouling, this ability will transfer over into their throwing events...