I have had a strong learning curve from my opening meet to last weekend at Drake Relays where I threw a season best 55.32m off a short approach. I had the opportunity to work with Tom Pukstys (2-time Olympian 1992/1996; 6-time USA National champion) for 5 days where he helped me develop a better concept of throwing power and strength versus general strength.

 

The javelin technique can be refined amongst individual athletes toward one's personal strengths and weaknesses. For me, I lack longer levers that help create a longer pull on the javelin but as I develop more speed and strength with sprints and heavy ball throws, I can make gains from where I lack anatomically. Seeing the vast improvement of implementing a stronger hold on my block leg while creating a solid whip of my arm through countless weighted and medicine ball throws makes me thoroughly believe that this newfound regimen will result in even longer throws this season.

 

I used to think to stay with the lighter balls while in season -2k med ball, 600-700g weighted ball- but I am still using 3k's and 1.5k/1k/800g balls in my training. Though the volume is down compared to fall and winter training, I can see a huge difference in my power once my javelin is in hand.