Javelin
Athletics Booklet
Download this fantastic resource that highlights the different aspects that you need to consider when coaching your kids in running, throwing and jumping.
This is a 46 page booklet that covers the main things you need to know when teaching athletics.
Side Stance
When teaching throwing in the athletics module, the javelin throw is an activity the children always love doing. Here are the teaching points:
1. Grip the javelin by resting the javelin on the palm of your hand with the point aiming away from your body. If you straighten your arm the javelin should point towards you.
2. Hold the javelin in the middle. (You could let the children explore where to hold it)
3. Stand side on and aim with your free arm into the direction you want the javelin to go.
4. Extend your arm and put your weight on your back foot.
5. Transfer the weight to your front foot and release always keeping the javelin aimed forwards.
Angry Birds
For this you will need benches and chairs. Place the benches and chairs a distance away from the children. Spread cones out on the benches, chairs and floor. Put a ball on each cones (assorted colours for scoring). The children must try to hit the ball off the cones with the javelin. You can adjust the scoring to suit what your children are learning in numeracy.
Runway
Allow the children to play a game called runway. All you need is a tall hurdle, a mat (or two depending on age/ability of children) and a javelin. Tell the children they are pilots and must try to land their plane on the runway to score a point. You use the javelin for this activity.
Javelin Technique
The video below outlines the technique and teaching points for a running javelin throw.
Target Practice
In this game, the children will put their technique into practice and try to control the power of their javelin throw and aim to land inside a target area.
The target area can be made using four cones. You can split the class into groups to ensure they get good practice time. You can link this to numeracy and each time they land inside the area they get points. If you are working on certain times tables this could reinforce the learning in a fun way.
Throwing for Distance
Using cones you can create a javelin runway. Inform the children that they must not go over the final line or their throw doesn’t count. The children will put all the discrete skills of the javelin and try to throw as far as they can. You can get a tape measure out to record their times. This links with the data collection and handling area of numeracy.
Cone Ball
Building on the previous game, the children will be forced to work on their aim. They will try to throw the javelin to hit the ball off the cones. Once they hit the ball off the cones they receive a point.
