Field Phenomenon

Track & Field is how the sport is referred to, everyone knows the track includes running, but field has a wide range of events.  Some of the field events include running which are the jumping ones, while some require strength and precision. The events are long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, discus, and shot put. Long and Triple jump are similar both require running down a run way but triple jump requires two legs when jumping whereas long jump only needs one to take off.  Both jumps have sand pits at the end of the run ways. Triple jump requires three lines and then the take board (line) to be on the run away, each board (line) is a certain distance away from the pit which means you must touch one of those with your foot when attempting a jump. Triple has two skips on one foot and a jump on the other leg when approaching the final board. Long Jump is a little easier as your running down the run way and approaching the board you must touch (hit) the board before taking off on one foot. High jump is a horizontal bar resting on to leveled devices. When high jumping the athlete must be very careful to not knock the bar off and to not injure their jump when going over and landing. An athlete who pole vaults is a very strong and precise person, as they run with the pole down the run way they must make sure it will slide into the space below the standards (upright bars) and crossbar. While making sure that happens they have to hoist themselves up into the air and over the crossbar. Throwing events are quite different from the others, they are usually excluded from the public eye, meaning they are out in fields because it is dangerous to be near them. Shot put in a metal ball that is precisely placed on the throwers shoulder, underneath the chin, next to the ear, it sounds difficult to do just by describing the form. After placing the shot (ball) to actually throw it, the thrower must slightly slide across the mat or cement, and push the shot up and out into the field.  Discus is harder to explain, the disc itself is a slight flat, but clearly has a certain amount of weight to it so it is not completely flat. For this throw the thrower must have their hand almost completely flat but with their fingertips still grips around it. To actually throw the disc they must spin and release without letting it go inside the netting, it flies like a Frisbee with weight to it into the field.

In high school Track and Field javelin and hammer throw are not allowed, the reason for I have never been told, I assume they require more skill than the allotted time can provide. Also, in indoor track triple jump and discus are not in the competitions. Many spectators come for certain events because it amazes them how an individual can yield such strength and focus it into one event or even multiple events.


 *This blog is from an elementary to high school level perspective, at the college level things become more complex.