Athletics – Track and field Athletics is a collection of sporting events that involve competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking. The most common types of athletics competitions are track and field, road running, cross country running, and speed walking. Official world championship track and field events Track Middle- Speed Long-distance Hurdles Relays distance 60 m hurdles 60 m 4×100 m 800 m 5000 m 100 m hurdles 100 m relay 1500 m 10,000 m 110 m hurdles 200 m 4×400 m 3000 m Marathon 400 m hurdles 400 m relay 3000 m steeplechase Field Combined events Jumps Throw Long jump Shot put Pentathlon Triple jump Discus throw Heptathlon High jump Hammer throw Decathlon Pole vault Javelin throw Note: Events in italics are competed at indoor world championships only Javelin throw The javelin throw is a track and field athletics throwing event where the object to be thrown is the javelin, a spear approximately 2.5 metres in length. Javelin throwing requires speed and rhythm on the approach, as well as strength. 1º ESO - PE Workbook - IES Joan Miró – Physical Education Department 1 The javelin must be held at the grip and thrown over the shoulder or upper part of the throwing arm. - The javelin lies along the palm of the hand. - The palm should always be turned upwards. - The javelin should feel comfortable and secure in your hand. - The javelin should be held horizontally, in the palm of your hand. 1. The approach: Hold the javelin high, over your right shoulder (for a right-handed thrower), with your elbow up and pointed forward. The javelin is aimed in the target direction with the point tipped slightly down. Begin running and accelerate smoothly toward the throwing line. Run straight ahead with your hips perpendicular to the target area. 2. Transition. Maintain the javelin’s position. Do 3-5 crossing steps. The movement helps in the throwing. 3. Drive: With your final two strides, turn your body so your left hip (again, for a right- handed thrower) is pointed toward the target area. The left leg crosses over the right as you pull the javelin back. Your throwing hand should be at shoulder-height and your arm straight. While you move your right arm back holding the javelin, move forward your left arm (action – reaction). 4. The throw: Plant your left leg and push off with your right. Turn your hips so they are again perpendicular to the target area as you transfer your weight forward. Then bring your arm up and forward, keeping your elbow high. Release the javelin while your throwing hand is as high as possible and is ahead of your front foot. 1º ESO - PE Workbook - IES Joan Miró – Physical Education Department 2 .