The Search For Technique And The Summer School Tradition by Dan Kennedy

Comparing A Model
I decided that it would be better to have a technical model(s) to compare the girls to rather than make a subjective judgement. I searched my videos scattered across the floor in the living room. These videos were mostly made by myself from the television and some had been given by friends.

Unfortunately all the video I had of women's javelin throwing was poor so I had to make sequences of the throwing action of two men competing in the Olympics. I realise that I should have used females but you have to use what you have got. That nice guy Boris doesn't throw like a girl and neither does Makarov - indeed far from it, but don't you think their sequences are great?

Anita's throwing needs to be looked at again from the other side i.e. from the right side as she is a right handed thrower. She appears to commence the throw well but then bends the elbow strangely.

Sarah puts awesome strain on her back and throws the javelin upwards into the sky at a very steep angle. If only she could direct the force outwards she could make great progress in distance. She can only get frustrated or get injured if she continues to throw in this way.

Conclusion
Have I whetted you appetite? Have I shown you a way to develop real technique even if you live at the edge of the world? If I have please use video wisely and in ways that the athlete can appreciate and relate to. Using a video camera has its place but remember that the best computers of all are the eyes and the feelings of the athlete and coach. As Jack of the Summer School would say …. technique is important but the spirit is more important.

Dan Kennedy 31/12/'02


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