FREE Javelin Training SECTION

Starting Notes

This is just a simple free section to show you a sampling of the videos in the member’s section. We will change them from time to time so be sure to check back from time to time.

They will be of varying levels so don’t worry if one sounds too simple or to complex. Just move on to the next one and watch for new videos in the future. Enjoy.

Zelezny is Showing You Everything

In today’s world, we all think that “new” information is where it’s at. Where as in reality, as a coach, I see new people discover old technique over and over. The top throwers in javelin like Johannes Vetter are doing the same thing Jan Zelezny was doing. It’s not “new” it’s just perhaps new to them or “new” to you. Our bodies haven’t changed enough since javelin started so the same movement persists among top throwers. The bio mechanics are the same so the throwing motion that works the best is also the same.

We still have the same anatomy chains and fascial connections that deliver power. It’s no surprise that where the elite throwers and coaches go, we see the same elite technique develop in new throwers as well. Germany, the Czech Republic and now India with the presence of German javelin thrower turned excellent coach Uve Hohn all produce fantastic top throwers with the same “old” technique.

*So if you’re stuck on trying to do something new, maybe look at the old videos because the answers are there if you watch closely.

These are two of my favourite videos from Zelezny. Video 1 with the thrower working over the sandpit and seemingly trying to get under the ball and work up into the throw may be the closest footage of really good technique training. You may see that she’s not just trying to throw forward, she’s also trying to add some up-force into the ball toss. 

Note the back foot and how the body turns up and into the throw when the female thrower is throwing the ball over the sandpit. If you watch the rest of this video and part 1, you’ll see various throwers practising this movement. They’re both good references for better javelin throwing technique.

Very few throwers will uncover how to do this properly so don’t be surprised if most coaches and athletes tell you it’s wrong or coach something different. It simply might mean that they haven’t discovered it either. That being said, you have the world record holder coaching it right in these videos and any Instagram post of Vetter, Rohler, Magnus Kirt or Neeraj Chopra etc. puts out are excellent references as well.

(Part 1 if you’d like to watch it as well)

 

Zelezny Key Training Videos (see drill at 1:05 mins)

The following two videos are of Zelezny coaching Tero Pitkamaki. I really like the drill at 1:05 as it helps teach the thrower to follow joint order law up their body and release at the top of the throw off of their feet. The reason this is key is that most throwers tend to charge down the runway and drive forward only. This can take you right off of your back drive leg and cause you to lose power. That’s why the drill is beneficial in that it makes you stay with the body instead of pushing off of it like a baseball pitcher might do off of a mound.

Throughout both these videos, Zelezny stands in a perfect throwing stance and demonstrates movements from it. These are the correct bio mechanics and unlike trying to see it during an all out throw, you can easily see what’s happening in these slower paced drills.

(Part 2 in case you want to watch)

 

Practice 1 Sample

Sample video from one of our full practices with coach Trevor discussing key points in the throw during competition and what to focus on.

Two Quick Tips

Two quick tips regarding holding the javelin during the run up and how to avoid arm creep as you go to throw.

Front Arm Drive Hip Link

How to connect and use the front arm drive hip connection for bigger and more consistent throws.

Simple Block Mistake

Simple video discussing getting blocked out when you throw. Blocking properly is key for big throws and avoiding this mistake should help you get some bigger distances.