Athletics is a traditional olympic sport. It is also called “Track and field athletics” and it has many different events. They are divided in: a) Running and racewalking events:These include all races from sprints to the Marathon. (Steeplechase and hurdle races too). b) Throwing Events:Javelin, Shotput, Hammer and Discus are the four throwing events. c) Jumping Events:Long Jump. Triple Jump, High Jump and Pole Vault are the four types of jumps. d) Multiple Event Competitions:These include the heptatlon for women and the decathlon for men.
There are two basic methods for throwing the shot put. The "spin" or "rotational“ technique is the more complex method. The "glide" technique is more commonly-used and, with its linear movement through the throwing circle, is easier for beginners to learn. This is the one that we practice in class.
GRIP Place the shot on the base of your fingers – not in the palm – and spread your fingers slightly.
HOLDING THE SHOT Push the shot firmly against your neck, under the chin. Your thumb should be under the shot with your throwing elbow pointed outward, away from your body. Your throwing arm should be at about a 45-degree angle to the ground.
1. Stand. Stand at the back of the circle, facing away from the direction of your throw. A right-handed thrower should place the right foot near the back edge of the circle, with the left leg extended forward.
2. Seated position. Keeping most of your weight on your right foot, bend your knees as if you were moving back into a seated position, while drawing your left leg back so the toes of your left foot line up with the heel of your right.
3. Glide. Extend your left leg toward the target area and push off with your right foot, “gliding” to the front of the circle while keeping your center of mass low. Your weight should be on your right leg and your right knee should be bent. 4. Power position. The thrower should now be in the “power position,” with feet shoulder width apart, left arm extended from the body and knees bent.
5. Pivot. Keep your right elbow up as you shift your weight to the left. Straighten your left leg as you rotate your hips so they’re square to the target. 6. Throw. Keeping your left side firm, punch your arm upwards and complete the throw with a flip of your wrist and a strong follow through.
THE HOLD Place the left hand under the discus for support Place the right hand on top of the discus Spread the fingers evenly but not stretched The first joint of the fingers curling over the rim of the discus Do not to grip the discus Allow the discus to rest on the first joint of the fingers with the tips of the fingers over the rim.
Adopt a shoulder width stance and perform preliminary swings Body weight in the middle of the stance Aim for chin over knee over toe on the left leg As the right foot leaves the ground the weight must be over the left leg Swing the right foot wide of the left foot into the centre of the circle On grounding the right foot pivots on the ball of the foot
Real power position is at the moment the left foot makes contact with the ground Left arm points in direction of the throw Right foot pivots Drive the right hip forward The right arm comes through fast and last Left foot is kept grounded until well after the discus is released
1.What is athletics and how can you call it? 2. What events are in this sport? 3. How many different basic methods are to throw in shot put? Which one have we done in class? 4. What phases are in shot put glide technique? 5. Do you have to grip the discus to hold it? What do you have to do? 6. How many turns or pivots do you do in discus throwing?