ATHLETICS

Brief History
Athletics, or what is popularly known as track and field events, has been
played in sports competitions centuries ago. The Greeks started to promote
track and field and it opened the Olympic Games in 776 B.C. Since then, it has
been staged every four years until 394 A.D. The Olympic Games was revived
in Athens in 1896. Since then, the Olympic Games is staged every four years.
At the beginning, the participation of the Greeks in athletics was
intended to show the strong body and the skills of the soldiers. The beauty of
the games caught the attention and interest of more than 5,000 people. The
Olympic Games became very competitive, especially with the inclusion of
women in 1923. The competition is under the auspices of the Amateur
Athletics Union.
Track and field, as an event, was introduced to the Filipinos by the
Americans. It was warmly accepted as one of the events for competition.
Because of its worth and value, it was included as a subject in physical
education on the three levels of education: elementary, secondary, and tertiary.
 Athletics events include the following:
• Running Events
• 100-m dash 4 x 100-m relay
• 200-m dash 4 x 400-m relay
• 400-m dash 110-m high hurdles
• 800-m run 400-m low hurdles
• 3,000-m run Steeplechase
• 5,000-m run Marathon and walkathon
•
• Jumping Events Throwing Events
• Long jump Shot put
• Triple jump Discus throw
• High jump Javelin throw
• Pole vault Hammer throw
 Athletics Playing Venue
• Running events are played in an oval. It has
eight lanes. The inner most lane measures 400m.
the seven other lanes are appropriately marked
to indicate the 400m distance and the exceeding
land measurement.
• The surface is even and levelled, covered by
a mixture of sand and cinder. It is well kept to
ensure that no holes, corrugated spots, and
unlevel portions are found.
The Oval
Jumping Events Triple Jump and Long Jump
High Jump
Pole Vault
Throwing Events Shot Put
Discus Throw
Javelin Throw
 Different Athletics Events/Games
1. Running Events
Running is an art. Make running science-based and a champion shall be born.
Running can be fast or moderately slow. One could identify who runs fast or not. The
positions of the body differ when one does the two types of running. Let us see:
 Fast Slow
Body Leaning forward Almost erect
Arms Greater range of Lesser range of motion in
motion swinging
Steps Big steps Moderate length of steps
Speed Greater velocity Stride lesser velocity

Don’t Forget
For swift and easy motion, check arm swing:
 Right Wrong

straight front cross body

to back swing swing
•Swinging straight forward-backward makes running easy. There is no extra
effort and limited movement. The runner should enjoy his or her performance,
his or her speed not impeded. Cross body swing affects the body movement.
Extra effort is done to stabilize bodily movement as related to speed.
• Another relative skill that affects the running ability is the start.There
are different kinds of starts available to runners who select one that would
make their take-off effective and pushing off well for a very swift start of run.
• One may toe the heel of his/her advanced foot, raise his/her buttocks,
without changing feet position and run. This is called elongated start.Others
may place one foot beside the other making the toes exactly aligned with the
middle of the other foot—bunch start. Another way is to toe the line, kneel,
and keep the other foot behind the other—superbunch start.
• The runner chooses the kind of start he/she is used to and the most
effective for his/her start. For long distance running, the start may be a simple
standing position. This kind of run does not need a special kind of start.
a. The Hurdles
Hurdling is running and leaping over hurdles set across the lane. When
hurdling is done in a short distance, the event is 110-m high hurdles. When
done in the longer distance, the event is 400-m low hurdles.
•How To Do It
Run fast toward the hurdle. At about one meter before the hurdle, leap over it, snap a
leg and an arm over the hurdle, followed by the other leg and arm simultaneously. Flex the
trunk forward. Continue the swift movement after going over the hurdle so as not to break the
momentum of the run.
•Training Tip
Prepare an adjustable hurdle. Learn the correct mechanics of leaping over from a low
stand. Once the mechanics are learned, increase the height of the hurdle and continue training
until attempts and actions become smooth. This way, the training using several hurdles in the
oval runway will make possible the improvement and success being sought.

b. Relays
•4 x 100-m Relay
There are four players. Each has to run 100 m and has to relay the baton to the next
player.

•4 x 400-m Relay
Each of the four players has to run 400 m and has to relay the baton to the next player.
These two games are team events.
2. Jumping Events
Jumping events showcase the players’ leg and body strength. These activities are
very important, for these lead to general body development.

a. Long Jump
Long jump needs a jumping pit. The pit has to be prepared properly with no
obstruction, no solid particles nor stones. It has to be made up of pure grains of sand.
Do the long jump. Run fast toward the jumping pit. Upon reaching the jumping
board, jump. This explosive movement should throw the body forward to the pit. While in
the air, tuck the body and extend forward when about to land. In landing, avoid tumbling,
sitting, or supporting the body with the hands at the back. The nearest mark to the jumping
board is made as the basis of measurement.

b. Triple Jump (Hop, Step, and Jump)

Run fast toward the jumping board. At the jumping marker, hop once, if right foot
takes off, right foot should land. In continuous action, step once landing by the other foot
and jump once landing on both feet.
 c. High Jump
High jump is done by leaping over a high bar without touching it. Jumping
is done in 3 ways:
1. Upright Position
This is done by
beginners.
The position of the body
is
upright, with flexed
knees.
Land on both feet.
2. Face Down Position
Jump face down over the bar twisting the body for a turn so as not to
touch the bar.
3. Lying Position
• Jump with upper portion of the body leaning backward while passing
over the bar. Flip to avoid touching the bar. Land on your back.
d. Pole Vault
•Pole vault is the most difficult of the jumping events. The jump is done with
the use of a pole. The movements of the different parts of the body must be
synchronized to be able to jump and leap over the bar effectively.
•Run through the runway, stock the end of the pole in the stocking portion, lift
body to jump. Pull body up the pole, push body from the pole to gain height,
leap over bar, and land on the cushion. Land carefully to avoid accidents.
3. Throwing Events
Throwing events necessitate explosive movements. Power is the
component to be considered. The events are shot put, discus throw, javelin
throw, and hammer throw. Each event is played in a specific venue.

a. Shot Put
The shot is a piece of spherical iron ball thrown to a distance. This is an
event for male and female athletes.

Put the Shot

Hold the shot with one hand. Turn back from the direction of the throw.
Place the shot high against the neck, touching the ear with the elbow pointed
forward. Bend body forward, raising one leg at the back. The anchor leg is
slightly flexed. Take a snap step backward and twist to face direction of throw.
Generate power from the hip as the shot is released. Maintain balance.
•Don’t Forget
a. The shot should not be removed from resting against the neck
before it is released.
b.A mere powerful push is the skill needed.
c. Swift turn to generate power is necessary.
b. Discus Throw
• A discus is platelike implement hurled to a farther distance than
the shot put. Stand straight at a relaxed position. Step a foot
forward. Hold the discus by a hand, making the fingers control the
edge of the discus.
• Swing the hand that holds the discus from the back to front
establishing good timing for the next move. Take a full turn to the
direction of throw without flexing the elbow and with power,
release the discus. Execute the follow-through movement keeping
your balance.
c. Javelin Throw
• The javelin is a pointed instrument that is stuck on the
ground to make a distinct mark. The point makes a mark on
the ground.
• Playing this event requires speed, power, and balance. One
has to hold the javelin by its body with a slightly flexed
arm, the instrument pointing to the front.
• Increase the speed of run slowly straightening the arms and
upon reaching the throw area, make a hop, and with power,
throw the javelin hard toward the field. Maintain balance to
stop instantly after making the follow-through movement.