Introduction to Javelin

---

Curriculum Area and Level

• Physical Education (Key Stage 4): Focus on developing competency in a range of physical activities and skills, encompassing throwing events such as javelin, as per the National Curriculum in England.
• Level: Introduction to Javelin (Foundational Skills for Year 10), helping pupils learn technical proficiency, coordination, and safe throwing techniques with guidance-based teaching methods.

---

Lesson Focus

• Introduce pupils to the basic movements and fundamental techniques of javelin throwing.
• Develop pupil confidence using both command (teacher-led demonstrations and step-by-step instructions) and guided discovery (encouraging pupils to explore their movements).
• Emphasise safety considerations, proper grip, posture, and controlled throwing techniques to promote skill acquisition over power.
• Inclusion of adapted activities to ensure all pupils, including the wheelchair user, participate fully and achieve comparable outcomes.

---

Previous Knowledge

• Pupils should:
  1. Be familiar with general throwing mechanics from previous PE lessons (e.g., discus, shot put).
  2. Understand the importance of weight transfer in athletics.
  3. Have some understanding of warm-up routines designed for upper-body activities.

This lesson builds on those skills and applies them specifically to javelin.

---

Resources and Equipment

• 10 foam training javelins (lightweight and beginner-friendly)
• 5 size-adapted foam javelins (shorter and lighter for controlled practice)
• Measuring tape or markers (for distance measurement)
• 30 plastic cones (to mark boundaries and create run-up zones)
• Beanbags and soft practice balls (for inclusive throwing activities, especially for wheelchair use)
• Whistle and stopwatch
• Safety checklists and visual aids (e.g., posters showing technique and safety zones)

---

Safety Considerations

• Create marked safety zones where no one is allowed during throws.
• Ensure clear and consistent command for starting and ceasing activity.
• Monitor pupils closely to ensure that javelins are only thrown when instructed.
• Emphasise throwing technique over distance to prioritise control.
• Ensure the wheelchair user exercises easy access to the activity zones and that adaptations are safe and effective.
• Perform a thorough equipment check for any damage.
• Ensure that the activity takes place in a non-slip and uncluttered area.

---

Structure of the Lesson

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

a) Dynamic Mobility (5 minutes)

• Purpose: Prepare muscles and joints for throwing movements, specifically targeting shoulders, arms, and core.
• Activities:
  • Arm circles (slow to fast)
  • Dynamic stretches: Shoulder rolls, lunge with arm reaches, spinal twists
  • Light jogging around the activity area

b) Javelin-Specific Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Purpose: Familiarise pupils with movement patterns, preparing for the technique.
• Activities:
  • Passing the foam javelin between hands while maintaining balance.
  • Single-arm javelin extensions for shoulder prehab.
  • Practising weight transfer with beanbags to understand mechanics.

---

2. Introduction and Explanation (10 minutes)

a) Javelin Technique Breakdown (Command Method)

• Instructor Demo:
  • Grip: Index finger and thumb wrapped around the javelin cords, with the javelin resting on the palm.
  • Stance: Side-on position with feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Throwing Motion: Step-by-step demonstration of the arm action, weight transfer, and follow-through.

b) Pupils Practice Movements (without Throwing)

• Encourage pupils to mimic grip, posture, and movement slowly using verbal prompts and feedback.

---

3. Guided Practice: Station Work (20 minutes)

a) Segmentation (10 minutes)

Split pupils into small groups of 6, rotating through stations:

1. Grip and Body Position Practice

   • Use a static position to learn grip and stance.
   • Teacher roams and offers individualised feedback.

2. Arm Action and Weight Transfer

   • Practice full arm motion with a soft practice ball (no throws). Aim for smooth mechanics and coordination.

3. Controlled Throws

   • Short-distance throws from a static position using the foam training javelins. Focus on precision and technique instead of distance.

b) Wheelchair-Accessible Adaptation

• The wheelchair user can practice grip and arm action using size-adapted javelins or beanbags with the same technique emphasis.
• Ensure ample space for proper maneuvering and throwing practice.

---

4. Small Challenges (10 minutes)

Group Activity: "Hit the Target"

• Pupils (in their groups) throw the foam javelins or adapted equipment aiming for a series of cones or markers set at varying distances.
• This builds accuracy and safe control.

---

5. Cool Down and Reflection (8 minutes)

a) Static Stretching (5 minutes)

• Target muscle groups used: Shoulders, upper back, triceps, and core.

b) Group Reflection and Feedback (3 minutes)

• Ask pupils:
  • What did they find most challenging?
  • What aspects of their technique improved during the lesson?
• Highlight progress and build anticipation for the next session, where run-ups and advanced throwing will be introduced.

---

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

• Ability to demonstrate safe grip, stance, and throwing mechanics.
• Participation in guided discovery activities and ability to correct/improve technique based on feedback.
• Contribution to group tasks and respect for safety guidelines.
• Success in throwing challenge demonstrates accuracy over power.

---

Differentiation and Inclusion

• Guided discovery ensures every pupil works at an appropriate pace.
• Adapted equipment and accessible throwing tasks for the wheelchair user ensure inclusivity.
• Extra challenges (e.g., creative ways of throwing on targets) can be given to more advanced or confident pupils to stretch their skill.

---

By focusing on technique, safety, and inclusivity, this javelin introduction builds a strong foundation for skill development while making students feel empowered in the activity.