The javelin must be held at the grip portion and above the shoulder level at all times. The javelin must lie before the defined zone and its tip must strike the ground for a legitimate throw. On the runway, there is an unique marking line inside which the athlete must throw. This line extends from just behind the front foot to about two feet past the throwing arm. He or she cannot step over it or cross it in any way during the throw. The hand position contains four main elements: the thumb, the fingers, the wrist and the arm. The thumb and the index finger form the handle of the javelin. They are crossed under the chest with the thumb facing forward and the index finger pointing down. The remaining three fingers spread out along the shaft of the javelin. They should be curved with the palm facing up and the tips touching. The elbow should be fully bent at release time. At the beginning of the throw, the body is in a straight line from head to toe with both arms hanging limp by the side. The hips are opened up to face the incoming target and the legs are slightly bent. As the arms pull back, they are raised upward until they are completely straight. At this point, the body has started to twist on itself like a clockwork mechanism. With one last push off the toes, the body rotates around the ankles and finally comes to a stop with the arms extended forward.