RUN JUMP THROW New Directions in Grassroots Athletics...

WHAT IS RUN JUMP THROW? A core program for the introduction to the mechanics of running, jumping and throwing to elementary children in BC. A grassroots program developed by Athletics Canada that implements the fundamentals that empowers youth with the tools to achieve physical potential in life. Basic and fundamental movements skills associated with sport and physical activity.

OUR MISSON AS INSTRUCTORS “Provide instructions and development to ensure youth in BC are given the gift of lifelong physical and emotional health and fitness.” This mission accomplishes: Gender equality Inclusiveness – socio economic, race, religion Integrity and fair play Pursuit of individual physical potential Pursuit of personal goals beyond sport

History Run Jump, Throw was developed in the mid 1970’s by Athletics Canada It was hoped it would provide teachers and coaches with the basic progressions and information material to teach track and field to young children Main focus was to provide wide variey of basic skills at appropriate age levels so that enjoyment and personal development can be experienced in sport at every age with out rushing natural growth and development of individuals Unfortunately, this program did not take off during this time due to lack of marketing

Why the big push now? Because of the rapid increase of obesity in children, Athletics Canada believed they had a good program that needed to be re implemented into school systems in order to produce well rounded children in all activities.

Running Criteria General Posture – tall and proud Head Alignment – centered, eyes focused straight ahead Shoulders- relaxed and loose, but ‘square’ Arm Position – elbow bent loosely at 90 degrees Face – relaxed (cheeks jiggly) Arm swing – smooth, towards center line in front Leg swing – extension of drive leg (ankle, knee, hip) - knee lift to appropriate height - bent efficiently on swing through

JUMPING Four phases to any jump: 1. Approach 2. Take off 3. Flight 4. Landing Speed builds to take off At takeoff: - foot is planted in a fast, flat ‘pawing’ action - knee of free leg punched through from hip Hip, knee and ankle joints are fully extended Body control in flight Landing in controlled and safe

THROWING Four phases to any throw: 1.Preparation 2.Momentum building 3.Delivery 4.Recovery Remember: Larger stronger muscles act before smaller quicker ones Lower half of body rotates ahead of top half Transfer of weight from rear foot to front foot Arm follows through after delivery

ACTIVITIES... Castle Relay Divide class into 4 teams have them line up behind one another. Stack the blockes at the starts. First person will lie on their stomach and whne the whistle blows they will jump up and take one block and run to the end cone and start to build the castle. The second person in line will be on their stomach. When the first person slaps their hand they can go with the next block- continuing until the castle is built and then take the castle down.

Triple Jump Grid Place 4 sets of hoops in “T” jump formation on the ground infront of all 4 groups. Have the students line up behind the cones in all their groups and then jump through the hula hoops. ‘Hop, step, jump’ First just hop on one foot for 10 meters, then hop-step for 10 meters, then hop, step, jump Finally, put it all together with the hoops

Coaching Young Athletes in the 21 st Century Believes that most coaches focus too much on performance and not enough of basic skills Young athletes are rushed into too much training too early, causing early drop out rates Children will preform regardless of the coaching ability, but between 6-14 years old is the most sensitive time for neuromotor changes ie: skills However, most coaches are focusing on performance at this time

Straight Talk About Children and Sport Physical activity stimulates growth and lead to improved physical and emotional health Moderate physical activity is shown to improve a child’s skill at arithmetic, reading, and memorization Dr. Glyn Roberts states that “Sports can affect a child’s development of self-esteem and self-worth. It is also within sport the peer status and peer acceptance is established and developed.”

CONCLUSION All youth ages should be introduced to RJT through the education systems. Ie. Adopted into core curriculum RJT will help to shape the lives and hearts of generations It is a positive individual experience Provides consistent and improved performance It continues involvement in track and field athletics!