Track and Field

Essential Questions What is the difference between track events and field events? How would the training be different for long distant running and short/sprint running events?

What is Track and Field? Track and Field is considered an individual sport. It is a competition that includes running, jumping and throwing events. There are certain track events that require more than one person, such as the baton relay. Each running event is started by an event director who prompts each athlete when to begin. He or she says, “Runners take your mark, set, and then a signal goes off for runners to go.”

History Track and field is often said to have evolved from natural human activity. Most events mimic predatory activities and survival such as using spears(throwing events) and chases(running and jumping events). Formalized track and field was first recorded at the Ancient Olympic Games of 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. The single event contested was a footrace of roughly 200 yards called the stade or stadion, from which we get the word “stadium.” The history of track and field mainly revolves around the Olympic Games.

United States Track and Field History The track and field events in the United States are reported to have started as far back as 1860. As the time progressed, many new events were added. It was only after 1913 that track and field events were treated as a professional sport. The 400 meter dash(one full lap around the track) was featured in the Summer Olympics in 1896 for men only. It was not until 1964 that the event was open to women.

Track and Field Safety Participants must wear proper athletic shoes and clothing Participants need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. The track and field area needs to remain clear of any and all obstructions that may hinder your event Runners must stay in in their lanes while participating in track running events Runner must listen to coaches or event directors for signals to begin each race

Special Olympics Softball Throw (Can Be Done Instead Of The Shot Put) A 30cm (11 3/4") in circumference softball shall be used. Competitors may use any type of throw. The same throwing motion must be used for qualifying and final throws. Maximum approach distance will be three meters beyond the back of the throwing box.

Track Equipment Tennis Shoes Shot Put Types Softball for Special Olympics Batons for Relays

Track and Field Playing Areas Track for Running Events Sand Pits for Field Jumping Events Shot Put Ring for Field Events

Distances Sprints – An event where the runner has to run very fast for a short to middle distance Short Distances – Running events that are completed for a short distance, such as the 50, 100, 200 meter dash Middle Distances – Running events that are completed for a middle distance, such as 400(1 lap) to 800(2 laps) meter runs and relays Long Distances – Running events that are completed for a long distance, such as 1600 (1 mile or 4 laps) and 3200 (2 mile) meter runs and relays

Sprinting Cues Run upright Elbows at 90 degrees Brush hips with hands Balls of feet

Short Running Distances (Common Distances Practiced in APE Class) 50 meter dash 100 meter dash

50 Meter Dash A shorter modified distance in Special Olympics and Adapted P.E. and other track events that allows students of all levels to be successful

100 Meter Dash A short distance sprint running event in track and field competitions. The shortest common outdoor distance, it is one of the most popular and prestigious events in the sport of athletics

(1/2 Lap Around the Track) 200 Meter Dash (1/2 Lap Around the Track) 200 meters is a popular short distance sprint running event. On an outdoor 400 m track, the race begins on the curve and ends on the home straight, so a combination of techniques are needed to successfully run the race.. Start Finish

400 Meter Dash (1 Full Lap Around the Track) The 400 meter dash is a common middle distance running event in track and field competition. It has been featured in the athletics program at the Summer Olympics since 1896 for men and was introduced in 1964 for women. On a standard outdoor running track it is exactly 1 lap around the track Start(O) O X Finish (X)

800 and 1600 Meter Run 800 Meters = Middle distance running event that Is 2 full laps around the track 1600 Meters = Long distance running event that is 1 mile or 4 full laps around the track

Baton Relay A race that uses more than one person to complete the distance; each person carries the baton forward, staying in one lane before handing it off to the next person

Handoff Must Be Within Exchange Zones Baton Relay Handoff Must Be Within Exchange Zones Relay Handoffs and Exchanges 1. Receiver-straighten arm towards runner 2. Receiver-spread thumb and forefinger 90 degrees 3. Runner-grip bottom of baton and give verbal cue to, “Exchange” 4. Runner-pass baton into palm of receiver

Long Jump A field event with a jump for distance from a running start by jumping off your strongest foot. In jumping events an athlete cannot go over the board or they are given a scratch

Long Jump Approach Take off Flight Landing

Softball Throw Cues Underhand Throw Face the target Point to the target Hand way back Step with opposite foot Release when hand meets pointing hand Overhand Throw Side to the target Twist Throw

Shot Put Cues Shot put under chin with finger grip and elbow up Knees bent with weight on back foot Opposite shoulder to target Twist, transfer body weight forward Follow through and release on extension

Field event in which a weighted ball is thrown for distance Shot Put Field Event Field event in which a weighted ball is thrown for distance

Cognition Information

Track and Field Cognition Assessment What Equipment is this? Batons What event am I doing? Baton Relay Race Why should I do this? Good For My Muscles How will this help me in my life? Keeps Me At A Healthy Weight

Name the Track and Field Equipment Tennis Shoes Shot Put Types Softball for Special Olympics Batons for Relays

Identify the Track Equipment Track Batons Tennis Ball Soccer Ball Football Basketball

What Track and Field Event is This? Long Jump Baton Relay

Identify the Field Event Track Event Running/Wheelchair Field Event Long Jump Track Event Running/Walker Track Event Running Baton Relay

Identify the Track, Running Event Field Event Long Jump Field Event Shot Put Field Event Softball Throw Running Event Baton Relay

Identify the Person Running Track Soccer Basketball Track and Field T-Ball/Softball

How Will Track and Field Benefit Me In My Life? Participating in track and field keeps me at a healthy weight Participating in track and field keeps me from being tired Participating in track and field is a great way to make friends

Why Should I Participate In Track and Field? Running track and participating in field events is good for my cardiovascular health Running track and participating in field events stimulates my brain Running track and participating in field events keeps my muscles strong Running track and participating in field events allows me to be active while having fun with friends

Cognition Assessments Tools

Track and Field Cognition Assessment How will this help me in my What Equipment is this? What event am I doing? Why should I do this? How will this help me in my life?

Name the Track Equipment

Identify the Track Equipment

What Track and Field Event is This?

Identify the Field Event

Identify the Track, Running Event

Identify the Person Running Track

How Will Track and Field Benefit Me In My Life?

Why Should I Participate in Track and Field?