Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Field Events – The Throw In Standing Javelin Notes
Physical & Health Education — Field Events
Subtopic: The Throw — Standing Javelin (for age 11)
Standing javelin is a simple and safe way to learn how to throw a javelin without running. It helps you practise hold, aim and arm action. Always practise under a teacher’s supervision on the school field.
Side view — standing throw
Stand side-on, throw forward
Quick tips
- Use a light school or foam javelin approved by your teacher.
- Stand with your left shoulder (if right-handed) towards the target.
- Point the javelin towards where you want it to land.
Equipment
- Light school javelin or foam javelin (teacher decides size).
- Flat, marked throwing area on the school field (use cones or chalk).
- Measuring tape (metres) and notepad for recording throws.
- First aid kit and teacher supervision.
Safety rules (important!)
- Never throw when people are in front of the throwing sector.
- Only one thrower in the circle or line at a time.
- Wait until the teacher says “safe” before retrieving javelins.
- Use soft javelins for beginners and small children.
Steps to perform a standing javelin throw
- Grip: Hold the javelin near the cord or centre with a light handshake grip—thumb and first two fingers around it. Do not choke it tightly.
- Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. If you are right-handed, place the left foot forward (side-on to the target). Slight bend in the knees.
- Aim: Point the javelin tip at the target area—this helps direction.
- Throwing action: Pull the javelin back with the throwing arm, keep the elbow up, then push the body forward and flick the arm to release the javelin. Use your shoulder and torso, not only the arm.
- Release: Let go when the javelin is about eye level and pointing slightly up. Release with a small step forward if comfortable.
- Follow-through: After release, let the arm come down naturally and keep balance. Do not cross forward into the landing sector.
Simple coaching cues for learners (say these to classmates)
- “Handshake grip.”
- “Shoulder to the target.”
- “Point tip where you want it to land.”
- “Step and push, then flick.”
- “Keep eye on the target.”
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Throwing downwards: Fix by pointing the tip slightly up before release.
- Throwing with the wrist only: Teach pushing from the shoulder and rotating the torso.
- Stepping into the sector after release: Practise balance and small follow-through steps.
Fun practice drills
- Target toss: Place a cone or small hoop a short distance away. Try to land the javelin tip inside the hoop.
- Distance challenge: Mark a line and see how far students can throw safely. Record the best throw for each child.
- Partner feedback: One throws while the partner watches and gives one tip (e.g., “point tip” or “elbow up”).
How to measure and assess
Measure from the throw line to the point where the javelin tip first touches the ground. For class assessment, use simple criteria: safe technique, correct grip/stance, and distance progress (improvement over 4–6 lessons).
Teacher/coach notes (Kenya schools)
- Use foam javelins for lower primary (ages 9–12) and teach standing throw before full run-up javelin.
- Organise learners in small groups so each child gets many attempts.
- Use the school field; avoid hard or rocky areas where javelins can bounce unpredictably.
Final reminder: safety first — only throw when the teacher says it is safe. Have fun and practise the steps slowly until they become easy.