Foam Javelin Crossover Steps

A progression for throwing the foam javelin with a run-up and crossover steps: arm withdrawal, three crossover steps, blocking with the front leg and throwing over the shoulder. Students work on coordination, transferring speed into the throw and safety in the throwing area.

How to play

1. The whole class stands on one throwing line, 2 m apart, with one foam javelin per pair; the landing area is marked with cones at 10, 15 and 20 m (2 min).
2. Arm withdrawal while walking: javelin above the shoulder, palm up and arm straight back, with the tip at eye level (3 min).
3. Crossover steps with no throw: for a right-hander, the right leg crosses in front of the left with the body turned sideways; chalk the 3 steps and repeat them at a jog (4 min).
4. Block and throw from 3 crossovers: the final left foot plant stops the body and the arm comes through high over the shoulder; 4 throws each (5 min).
5. Full approach: 5 normal running steps, 3 crossovers and throw; the partner watches whether the arm stays back during the crossovers (4 min).
6. Final challenge: each student picks the cone zone they want to reach and earns a point if they hit it with correct form (2 min).

Rules

• Everyone throws at the same time from the same line, and nobody throws without the signal.
• Javelins are picked up only when the teacher says "retrieve," and students walk back with the tip pointed down.
• Never throw toward a classmate or use the javelin as a sword.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student throws seated using the arm withdrawal and trunk rotation, aiming at the 10 m zone.
• Autism: mark the steps with colored footprints on the ground and keep the same partner.
• Beginners: practice only the withdrawal and the throw from 1 crossover.

Learning goals

• Keep the throwing arm back during the crossover steps.
• Block with the front leg to transfer speed into the throw.
• Follow the safety rules of the throwing area.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam javelins: 13
• cones: 15
• chalk: 6

Teacher tip

The typical mistake is bringing the arm forward before the last step, which turns it into an arm-only throw.

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