Compete in Athletic Track & Field Events
Track and field is a sport of may events. From sprints (100 and 200 meters) to middle distances (400 and 800 meters) to long distances (1,600 and 3,200 meters) to hurdles (100 or 300 meters), track has various events for runners of all types. If running is not your forte, then maybe throws (shot put and discus) or jumps (long jump, triple jump and high jump) are for you. This article will help you find what events best suit you and go about preparing to be a track and field athlete.
Instructions
1. As with any sport, training is the key. If you don't train the right way, then you're not going to succeed in any track and field event.
In field events, learning the technique allows you to get those few extra feet or inches that you need to be on top. However, athletic ability will play a major role in these, too.
In running events, always train for a longer distance than the event you're competing in. This will keep your body going when it is reaching for that last bit of energy on the final stretch to the finish line.
2. If you're a sprinter, the 100 and 200 meters races are your main focus. The 100 is simpler than the 200, as you have to navigate a curve in the 200. However, for both, the key is explosiveness and drive.
For each event, you want to come out of blocks quickly. For the 10-20 meters in each race after you come out of the blocks, you want your head to be down as your legs drive you. Make sure your hands are open and not in a closed-fist. By the time you reach the halfway point of each race, you should be at maximum speed.
With finish times between competitors being very close in these events, it is very important that you continue to look straight ahead. Don't look to the side to see where your opponents are in relation to you.
3. If you are a middle-distance runner, your approach to the 400 and 800 meters will be very different.
In the 400, you will run one lap around the track at a staggered start. Your first 100 meters should involve getting into good position. Once you hit the backstretch, stride it out. With 200 meters to go, your stride should get quicker, then when you have 150 meters to go you're in a full-blown sprint. Again, don't look to see where your opponents are.
If you're an 800 runner, you'll be in a small staggered start and will merge after 100 meters. Your best bet for this event is to let someone else run in front for the first lap as you sit behind him and draft. Once you complete lap one and start your final lap, it's time to take over. Open up your stride and, with about 200 remaining, you should be in a full blown sprint.
4. If you're a distance runner, your strategy should be the same for both races. Unless you feel like you can blow away the field and get a very comfortable lead over everyone in the race, your best bet is to let someone else take the lead for the first couple of laps. This will allow you to save your energy and force an opponent to use up his. Never go out too fast.
As in the middle distance races, open up your stride on the back stretch of your final lap. With 200 meters remaining, you should be picking up your speed, and be in a full-blown sprint with 150 meters to go.
5. If you like the idea of doing the long jump, high jump or triple jump, prepare to drill on technique. In long jump and triple jump, it's knowing how many steps it is from your start to the board where you will take off. In the high jump, it's all about your technique in jumping over the bar.
Any good long or triple jumper never has to look down to see where the board is. They know exactly how many steps they have to take to land on the board while running at full speed, and take off. You want your take-off point to be at the edge of the board and not behind it. By doing this, you'll ensure yourself a good leap.
When you land in the triple or long jump, always fall forward. Never fall back as they always measure from the closest point to the board.
In the high jump, you want a good six to eight stride approach and then you want to explode over the bar. You should always use your outside leg to jump from. As you leap, arch your back and just as your back gets over the bar, kick your legs up to where you're almost doing a back flip. This will allow your legs to get over without knocking over the bar.
If you're a thrower, technique will have as much to do with your success as strength does.
For the shot put, getting yourself into the back of the circle and giving yourself some force to step into your throw will get you more distance. So, allow yourself some room to maneuver. Be careful to not go over the board or your throw doesn't count.
For discus throwers, there are two techniques, spin or straight throw. The spin allows you to get more force behind your throw, but you're also in danger of releasing the disc at a point where it will go out of bounds. The key is to find what works for you.
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Tags: high jump, long jump, jump triple, jump triple jump, This will, triple jump, your legs