Javelin 1-step crossover

Quote from Bret Otte

Okay I know I may open a can of worms on this but wait before responding on the one-step crossover technique/style of throwing javelin.

If we can get past that one cross-over step before the throw could be marginally successful - what would be the harm of stepping behind with the non-plant leg of the throw? I.e. Right handed javelin thrower cross-over with the right leg/foot is behind the left just before left plant and block.

Could this help with the wrap style of javelin delivery and allow for a more natural left foot plant? Having said this - I coach NCAA division 3 athletes with limited exposure to javelin throwing before the age of 18, strong backgrounds or a strong visual connection to MLB-hardball baseball pitching. NCAA division 3 athletes also have limited amounts of practice by NCAA rules. I am trying to help hthese type of athletes learn to throw well with limited time and exposure to the event within a relatively short, about 32 weeks in 4 years, direct coaching time.

Excellent words.
Why is it hidden in the non-throwing area?

I threw with this style for years when I was in Jr. High School - at that time I had a personal best of 180' - My coach taught me to keep the right in front of the left before the plant and as a result I carried more momentum into the plant versus in effect having a double plant (right and left) - At first my distance went down and I thought that this was the stupidest idea ever. I was a power thrower and didn't feel powerful any longer. After a few weeks my distances crept back up and eventually I surpassed the 200' barrier on to eventually throwing 71 meters. As a coach now I stress how important it is for the throwers to avoid the baseball crow-hop style, even though they give up a bit at first I know that once they become comfortable they will add distance and power.

I often progress the throwers through a "gallop" style similar to the baseball slide or shuffle to introduce the technique. This gets them away from the behind cross-over. Once they get comfortable with being at least neutral with the right leg, I'll get them bringing the right leg in front of the plant leg and voila they will start adapting the transfer of momentum to the plant and eventually adding distance. Good Luck -

Quote from Bret Otte

Okay I know I may open a can of worms on this but wait before responding on the one-step crossover technique/style of throwing javelin.

If we can get past that one cross-over step before the throw could be marginally successful - what would be the harm of stepping behind with the non-plant leg of the throw? I.e. Right handed javelin thrower cross-over with the right leg/foot is behind the left just before left plant and block.

Could this help with the wrap style of javelin delivery and allow for a more natural left foot plant? Having said this - I coach NCAA division 3 athletes with limited exposure to javelin throwing before the age of 18, strong backgrounds or a strong visual connection to MLB-hardball baseball pitching. NCAA division 3 athletes also have limited amounts of practice by NCAA rules. I am trying to help these type of athletes learn to throw well with limited time and exposure to the event within a relatively short, about 32 weeks in 4 years, direct coaching time.

@Bret Otte I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around the whole idea. Do you have a video posted somewhere?

I love more info as i am a para athlete and struggle with the cross over step and i think that this could work for me must show this to my coach

I really don't see the benefits in stepping behind with your leg. The issue with that is the back leg is suppose to drive in the penultimate step (crow hop, second to least step). By sending the leg behind you basically eliminate the drive from that leg. The drive leg is suppose to set your body up in the right position of staying behind the blocking leg as well as gets extra lateral momentum. I have seen athletes do the behind step but I have never seen it be successful in terms of proper javelin technique. A big misconception is javelin throwing is all about having a big arm. The best throwers understand that you use your legs and core primarily to generate the throw. By crossing behind, you basically cut your leg power out of the throw. Wrapping should be used for athletes with exceptional shoulder/thoracic flexibility as well as proper throwing mechanics. As far as coaching with limited time, my belief is coach the sport right or not at all. There are too many injuries that can be avoided if the athletes spent more time on proper training and technique. There needs to be an emphasis on proper technique not strength which is unfortunately a common occurrence in this event in the US and NCAA. Look up sequence photos or slow down videos to show your athletes as well as record them for comparison. It really helps to see the differences in what a 50 meter throw looks to a 70 meter throw to a 90 meter throw.