Components Of Fitness

Track and Field Track and field is the name given to contests for men and women that involve running, jumping for height and distance, and throwing for distance using implements of standardized design.

FIELD EVENTS 1. high jump 2. pole vault 3. long jump (or broad jump, as it was once called) 4. triple jump 5. shot put 6. discus 7. hammer throw 8. javelin 9. DECATHLON 10. PENTATHLON 11. Walking

There are four main components of the long jump:  the approach run  the last two strides  takeoff  action in the air and landing.

Components The Approach The objective of the approach is to gradually accelerate to a maximum controlled speed at takeoff. In the run-up to the take-off point, speed is really important. The length of the run-up will differ from person to person. In long jumping (used to be called broad jumping), the contestant runs along a runway and springs into the air from a point called the take-off board, with the aim of covering the greatest possible distance. While still in the air, the jumper throws both feet far forward of the body to increase the distance and to prepare to land.

The last two strides The objective of the last two strides is to effectively prepare the body for takeoff while conserving as much speed as possible. In this phase, the next to last stride from takeoff is known as the penultimate stride. This is the longer of the last two strides, where the competitor begins to lower his or her center of gravity to prepare the body for the vertical impulse. Takeoff The objective of the takeoff is to create a vertical impulse through the athlete’s center of gravity while maintaining balance and control. This phase is one of the most technical parts of the long jump. Jumpers must be conscious to place the foot flat on the ground, because jumping off either the heels or the toes will have negative effects on the jump. Action in the air and landing The objective of this phase is to counteract the natural forward rotation of the body from takeoff while maintaining an effective landing position. Once a competitor leaves contact with the ground there is nothing that can be done to alter the flight path of his or her center of gravity. What will affect the distance of the jump is the body position at landing.

Component Of Track and Field Speed ( running, throwing ) Most sports and activities require some form of speed. Even long distance running often requires a burst of speed to finish the race ahead of your competitors. Speed is defined as the ability to move a body part quickly. Speed is not always about how quickly you can move your whole body from A to B. It also relates to body parts. For example, when playing golf, the speed of your arms and upper body in creating the swing are vital in driving the ball over a long distance. The speed factor is of utmost importance. You will probably find that you are able to reach a certain maximum speed and that you are not really able to improve it by training. The running speed is the major factor also in the jump and throw events and as the other factors are few in number and rather low in resolution (limited number of outcomes) the longevity of the game suffers.

Reaction Time ( track ) Reaction time is how quickly your brain can respond to a stimulus and initiate a response. This is important in most sports. The most obvious being responding to the gun at the start of a race, but also a goalkeeper saving a penalty, or a badminton player reacting to a smash shot. The examples in sport are endless!

Power ( shot put, discus, high-jump ) Power is the product of strength and speed. When we perform a task as quickly and as forcefully as we can, the result is powerful. For example, a sprint start, a shot-put or javelin throw or long-jump.

Coordination ( Sprint ) Coordination is the ability to use the body parts and senses together to produce smooth efficient movements. We have all seen someone who is uncoordinated, their movement looks awkward and shaky. Being co-ordinated is vital in all sports, for example hand-eye coordination in racket sports and the co-ordination to use the opposite arm and leg when sprinting.