Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 90.djvu/961

 Popular Science Monthly

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��thrower), then plant the left foot forvsard and a little to the left, throw and imme- diately spring from the left foot forward and alight on the right foot just back of the toe-block.

A full-arm swing should be developed, as in distance throwing with a base ball. Practice for this event should be graduated and moderate so as not to strain the arm.

The throwing takes place from behind a scratch line properly marked, which is a board 2% in. in width and 12 ft. in length, sunk flush with the ground.

The javelin is held by the grip, and no other method of holding is permissible.

No throw is counted in which the point of the javelin does not strike the ground before any part of the shaft.

��weight event. The old Greek style has been repeatedly tried, but it is so awkward that it has been discontinued even from Olympic meets. The A. L. N. A. still retains it in their rules but it is doubtful if it is ever used.

The technic of the ancient style is to stand on a pedestal much like an indoor pole-vaulting block, with the right foot forward and at the lower part, that is, inclined in the direction of the throw. Hold the discus with both hands above the left shoulder, then bend into the classic pose with the discus in the right hand and arm extended backward; then swing the arm forward and spring from the right foot, hurling the discus and alighting on the right foot.

���In the modern style the discus is thrown from a circle, in which you stand with the legs spread, the right foot at the back of the circle and the left towsu-d the front

��The throw is measured from the spot at which the point of the javelin first strikes the ground, to the scratch line or the scratch line produced.

Each competitor has three trial throws, and the best five shall have three more. Each competitor is credited with the best of all his throws. The thrower must not place his foot or feet upon the board. In javelin throwing the comp>etitor must not cross the line until his throw has been marked. In throwing the javelin, if the javelin breaks while in the air, it is not counted as a trial.

An unlimiter^ preliminary run is allowed (about a 15 yd. run is usually taken).

Discus Throwing

This event is also one of the ancient Greek events and in its modern form is considered by some the most attractive

��In the modern style it is thrown from a circle 8 ft. 2 3^ in. in diameter. Stand with the legs spread, the right foot at the back of the circle and the left toward the front. Grasp the discus with the right hand, steadied with the left. Swing it backward to arm spread position. While holding it in this position leap toward the front of the circle from the left foot, make a full turn to the left, alighting on the right foot, replacing the left foot on the ground toward the front of the circle in the spread position, then again leap toward the front of the circle with a half turn and hurl the discus, alighting on the right foot at the front of the circle. Some athletes make two or three turns before throwing. Although that gives more imp>etus to the throw, the danger to bystanders is greater. The rules are the same as for the hammer throw, except that the circle is larger.

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