Scott Fuchs on Body Types, Training and KPIs for Throwing the Javelin

Two-time All-American javelin thrower Scott Fuchs didn’t start his athletic career in track and field. Nope, Scott started off in baseball, which took over his life when he was 13 years old. Knowing that he could play at the collegiate level, Scott went on to play for a Division III institution right out of high school. However, he soon found himself incapable of throwing strikes. One overthrow after another, Scott kept losing his command. But instead of giving up his love of sport, Scott tried his hand and found his place in the javelin throw. Scott became the third All-American in Beloit College’s track-and-field history, finishing with a career-best throw of 198-2ft (60.41m). He then went on to compete in seven meets for Iowa State University, qualify for NCAA Outdoor Championships, and earn his Second Team All-America honors in the javelin throw. With a personal record of 236-7ft (72.12m), Scott recently qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the javelin, finishing 18th with 212-10ft (64.89m). In addition to training and competing, Scott pursues his passion for the javelin by sharing the stories of other javelin throwers through his podcast, Through the Point. Scott joins me today to discuss what it takes to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the javelin. He discusses the various body types among javelin throwers and explains why elite throwers have a blend between high-force outputs and elasticity. He shares his unique training methods and describes how they may be improving his standing. He also highlights the importance of setting KPIs that matter, and why there’s probably more to it than just building a bigger bench-press or squat, and shares his thoughts on the role of strength training in the javelin throw.   When you’re an elite thrower, it’s risky to make a lot of technical and physical changes. Focus on maintenance, improvement, and injury prevention. – Scott Fuchs   This week on the Physical Preparation Podcast: * Scott’s background and how he transitioned from baseball to the javelin * What it takes to invest in your athletic career and take it to the next level * How Scott’s physical preparation and competition changed when he moved to the javelin * The different aspects of a javelin throw * The physical traits of the ideal javelin thrower * Tools and training that made Scott throw from 197 to 237ft * The use of in-range isometrics in the javelin and the need to have stability and control * The value of having the right KPIs and how they can impact performance * Why javelin throwers need to find the sweet spot between high force output and elasticity * The similarities and differences between cricket bowling and the javelin * The role strength training plays in performance and injury prevention * Focusing on NCAA, making it to the Olympic trials, and Scott’s career highlights in the javelin throw   Related Content: * Bill Miller on Tracking, Competition, and Developing Rotational Power * Steffan Jones on Speed, Power, and Stiffness in Cricket Bowling   Connect with Scott: * Through the Point * Through the Point Podcast * Through the Point Podcast on Instagram *