Everything Track and Field Discussion Forums

I am a high school sophmore. we throw 600g in competition. In preparation for the next two years I have purchased an 800g javelin for home practice. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to practice with it this year since it is heavier and when throwing a 600 in competition it would feel lighter and I might throw farther or would the difference in weight effect my form and increase the risk of the jav not sticking? Any thoughts?

If you go train and drill slow enough where you're able to develop your speed and hit the proper positions the heavier jav would be great. I would also suggest throwing both at practice so the 600 doesn't feel too light.

Might I also add that there are a few specific torsional differences in the dynamic of throwing the larger, heavier spear: The grip is slightly thicker, the implement longer and more ungainly. I coached a lad of 14 into his 15th year as he progressed from 600 to 700g throwing and he found the transition strange. His school essentially forced him to throw 800s this year and he has picked up a "javelin elbow" from poor coaching at his school unfortunately. My point being that the transition should be slow and extremely controlled (as Coach Morriss wisely intimates above) whereby I mean plenty of shoulders front overhead throws to pre-condition the shoulders, back and thighs for the increased load (although 200g is nothing much as a weight, the javelin, coached badly causes more injuries than triple jump!). Highbrae- congratulations on having the forethought to ask these questions- there are plenty of people with busted shoulders and elbows from thinking that they know best!

I am interested in using Javelin throwing as a way of getting fit...I threw in my teens but a rugby injury to my shoulder ended all that..I am 50 years old now...what weight of javelin would you suggest and could you recomend a coaching regimen..or web site..? Thanks Rex

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