Javelin Crossover Steps with Tailed Foam Balls

A progression for the javelin approach rhythm: crossover steps with the arm held back and a firm front-leg block, first with tailed foam balls and then with school javelins. It teaches transferring the run-up into the throw and safety in the throwing sector.

How to play

1. Set a throwing line with cones and mark the landing sector. The whole class stands in one line and nobody goes past it (2 min).
2. No implement: walk with the throwing arm extended back and do the left-right-cross-block rhythm (for right-handers), 6 times (4 min).
3. With a tailed ball: standing throw with a leg block, then with three crossover steps, aiming for a high release (6 min).
4. In pairs, one throws while the other checks whether the arm stays back and the front leg blocks firmly; switch every 3 throws (4 min).
5. School javelins in groups of 5: three throws with the full sequence, on the teacher's signal, and everyone retrieves at the same time (7 min).
6. Measure each student's best throw with the tape (2 min).

Rules

• Throw only on the signal and retrieve only after the last person has thrown.
• Carry the javelin vertically with the tip pointing at the ground.
• Nobody steps into the sector while anyone is holding an implement.
• Safety: 10 feet of side spacing between throwers.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated or wheelchair throws focusing on the arm held back and trunk rotation.
• Autism: mark the step sequence on the ground with colored footprints.
• Lower strength or shoulder injury: tailed balls only and throws at 60% effort.

Learning goals

• Perform the crossover step rhythm while keeping the arm back.
• Block the front leg to transfer speed into the implement.
• Follow the safety protocol of the throwing sector.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tailed foam balls: 13
• school javelins: 5
• cones: 12
• measuring tape: 1

Teacher tip

Many students bring the arm forward during the crossovers; cue them to drag the javelin behind them. Throwing and retrieving together is non-negotiable; never relax it.

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