Coach ,

Kelsey-Lee Barber of Australia lit up the World Championship stage for a second straight time in Eugene. In the 3rd round Barber threw 66.91 meters (cemented her name in history as the first woman to ever win back-to-back World Championship titles. 

The Javelin was first thrown in the 1906 Olympic games in Athens, Greece. The event has been dominated by Scandinavian countries over the years. Australia is not a country you think of when you talk about long-standing success in the Javelin event. These unique factors and Kelsey-Lee Barber’s success with her husband and coach Mike Barber have drawn the attention of coaches and spectators around the world.

Her coach and husband explained that her resilience, relentlessness, and respect make her great. Those characteristics with an unwavering belief in herself and a desire to be the best contribute to her success. Beyond the mental and emotional skills she possesses, what else is it that makes Kelsey-Lee Barber the best in the world? 

Being a better athlete, being able to move more efficiently, can only improve your athlete's ability to be a better javelin thrower. Coach Mike explains developing her athleticism and the use of running drills to set up a proper throw. 

Link: Improving Athleticism 

Release velocity is one of the key performance factors in a far javelin throw. Coach Mike Barber breaks it down to eliminating energy leaks in her approach and delivery. When you identify and eliminate those leaks you’ll see an increased arm acceleration.

Link: Release Velocity

Gaining separation is another key component for a big javelin toss. Strength training is a key but it’s important to connect the weight room to the sport skill. The Barbers use a ton of medicine ball throws to work on this transfer of skill. The use of medballs helps Kelsey learn to train rotation from the ground up through the shoulders. This medicine ball routine is what allows her greater ability to separate. 

Link: Separation 

The combination of elite athleticism, release velocity, and ability to gain separation makes Kelsey-Lee Barber one of the best to ever walk the planet. The husband and coach combination has paid dividends in her development and success.

I hope the topics discussed today continue to help coaches serve their athletes better than before!

Always be growing,

Coach Rathke and the T&F Community of Coaches helping Coaches