Javelin Throwing Technique

Lesson Details

• Year Group: Year 7
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Class Size: 20 students
• Subject: Physical Education
• Focus: Javelin Throwing Technique
• Curriculum Alignment: National Curriculum for England – Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) – Athletics: Develop technique and control in throwing activities (including javelin) to improve performance (PE Programme of Study)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand and apply the fundamental techniques of javelin throwing (National Curriculum: perform a range of athletic activities, focusing on technique and control).
• Demonstrate the correct grip, run-up, throwing action, and body positioning during the javelin throw.
• Apply rules of javelin throwing safely and fairly during game-based activities.
• Show improvement in accuracy and distance through focused practice and peer feedback.

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Success Criteria

• Students will consistently demonstrate the correct grip and release of the javelin.
• Students will perform an effective run-up and maintain proper body posture.
• Students will understand and apply javelin throwing rules safely during activities.
• Students will improve throw distance or accuracy by the end of the lesson.
• Students will reflect constructively on their personal performance and peers’ techniques.

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Curriculum Links

• National Curriculum PE Programme of Study (Key Stage 3):
  • Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities.
  • Learn how to use tactics, rules, and strategies to overcome opponents in direct competition through team and individual games.
  • Understand and apply the basic principles of training and performance improvement.

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Lesson Breakdown

0-5 mins | Warm-Up: Dynamic Movement Circuit (Game-Based)

• Activity: Set up four mini stations involving running, skipping, high knees, arm circles to prepare the whole body for throwing.
• Purpose: Increase heart rate, warm muscles, and focus on coordination – essential for a successful javelin throw.
• Link to Technique: Emphasise arm mobility and coordination from arm circles, which mimic throwing motion.

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5-12 mins | Introduction to Javelin Technique – Grip and Stance with Partner Demonstration

• Teacher demonstrates proper javelin grip (four fingers around shaft, thumb for stability) and stance.
• Students paired up to practice and correct each other’s grip and stance.
• Emphasise safety rules: safe javelin handling, pointing javelin downward when walking.
• Key Teaching Points:
  • Grip: Fingers and thumb position
  • Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, non-throwing shoulder forward
  • Safety: Always carry javelin carefully, awareness of others

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12-22 mins | Skill Progression: Run-Up and Release Technique (Mini Relay Gamified)

• Activity: Split class into four teams. Each student performs a short run-up (approx. 5 steps) and throws a foam javelin towards a target cone.
• Track each throw’s distance or accuracy to target.
• After each attempt, next team member repeats.
• Teacher observes and provides rapid feedback on approach, release angle, and body alignment.
• Game Rule Introductions: Teams score points for best technique, accuracy, and safe behaviour — building motivation and reinforcing rules through game elements.

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22-35 mins | Modified Javelin Game: “Target Zone Challenge”

• Multiple clearly marked zones with scoring values placed at increasing distances.
• Students take turns throwing foam javelin aiming for highest scoring zones.
• Encourage students to apply techniques taught and decide throwing strategies (run-up speed, release angle).
• Differentiation:
  • Lower ability: shorter run-up, closer target zones.
  • Higher ability: full run-up, aim for smaller or farther zones.
• Students must observe all safety rules and scoring fairness.
• Peer-assessment encouraged after each round, focusing on technique and process rather than just results.

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35-42 mins | Cool Down and Reflection: Stretching & Group Discussion

• Guided cool down with stretches focusing on the shoulder, arm, and back muscles.
• Group reflection: What skills improved, what was challenging, ideas for future improvement.
• Introduce the concept of self-assessment: students rate their own effort and technique on a simple 1-5 scale (linked to success criteria).

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42-45 mins | Plenary & Exit Task

• Quick quiz-style recap (verbally or hand signals) on:
  • Javelin grip rules
  • Safety procedures
  • Run-up importance
• Homework challenge (optional, extension): Watch a professional javelin thrower video and identify one technique to practise next lesson.

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategy
Lower ability	Use foam/plastic javelins for safety, shortened run-up, enhanced verbal cues and modelling, more repeated practice.
EAL / Language Needs	Use visual cues, demonstrate every instruction, pair with trusted peer, use clear simple language.
Physical disability	Modified javelin size/weight, seated throwing if necessary, focus on upper body technique.
Advanced learners	Challenge with longer run-up or target zones, introduce biomechanical concepts explaining angles and forces.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Analyse and compare their own throwing technique with elite athletes using slow-motion video.
• Explore the physics behind javelin throwing: impact of angle, speed, and aerodynamics.
• Lead peer coaching groups, giving feedback on technique and safety to others.
• Develop a personal training plan to improve specific areas of the javelin throw.

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This lesson actively engages students, develops fundamental javelin techniques while building teamwork, safety awareness, and strategic thinking in line with the National Curriculum for Key Stage 3 Athletics. Incorporating game-based learning and peer feedback ensures motivation and inclusive participation across ability levels.