Throwing Activities
4
58
4.3.1 Introducing the Pulling Action
The sitting throw and soccer throw are both basic pulling throws. The sitting throw is a two-handed
overhead throw using a size 4 soccer ball. The young athlete sits on a standard gym bench with both
feet touching the floor and starts the throw from behind the head. The legs and hips act as anchor
points so that the torso can move. The ball should be released from straight arms above the head to
gain maximum throwing distance.
The soccer throw again is a two-handed overhead throw using either a size 4 soccer ball or 1kg
medicine ball. The young athlete stands with one foot in front of the other behind the throwing line
to gain purchase and starts the throw from behind the head with slightly bent arms, releasing the
ball with straight arms when above the head.
Throwing a ball and throwing a javelin are somewhat related but for the purpose of teaching young
athletes it is recommended that tennis balls, javelin balls, soft javelins or plastic javelins are used as
safety is of paramount importance.
4.3.2 Throwing a Tennis Ball
Throwing a tennis ball, baseball, cricket ball or field hockey ball is a good outdoor event for young
athletes aged 8–11. It can teach the basic skills of a javelin throw as it utilises the pulling action.
Young athletes can also note from this throwing activity the disadvantage of throwing the ball too
high or too low when the ball leaves the hand. Emphasis should be placed on smooth throwing
rather than maximum effort due to the lightness of the ball.
4.3 Javelin (Pull)
Illustration of a left-handed thrower
WEB COPY
©EVEQUE
WEB COPY
©EVEQUE
A
B
A
B
