Kids can work on many skills, including running, in track and field.
Track and field events consist of contests on an athletic track. According to the World Almanac for Kids, track and field is one of the oldest organized sports, dating back to the Olympian Games in 776 B.C. Ages for kids who can compete vary from race to race, but according to the website, All Star Activities, the general age for kids to participate in track and field is 6 to 18. They can choose the event that best fits them from a number of options.
Running
Kids who enjoy running can choose from a number of dashes and runs, ranging from 50 meters all the way to 1,600 meters. A 50-meter dash is 1/8 of a lap around a regular track. A 1,600-meter run is four laps around a track, which equals a mile. Kids can train for these events by running short sprints up and down their driveways, running the length of a soccer field or running for extended periods of time. If kids don’t want to run alone, they can participate in a relay which is usually either a 4X100 or 4X400 meter race. Both events involve four runners who pass a specially designed plastic or metal relay baton at a specified distance.
Jumps
Kids who don’t have the energy to run or are not interested can try participating in either the long jump or the high jump. Both of these events teach kids about coordination. For the long jump, kids will stand behind a straight line and jump as far as they can. Kids can prepare for the long jump by jumping as far as they can at home and then have their parents measure the distance. In the high jump, kids leap as high as they can to try to clear a bar placed horizontally between two poles at set heights. Kids can practice this at home, but they should make sure to do so in a safe area where they won’t fall and hurt themselves.
Throws
Another option for a field event for kids who are not interested in running is a throwing event. Some throwing events include the javelin throw, shot put or discus throw. Kids can build confidence in all three of these events because they will see improvement quickly. In the shot put, they throw a metal ball as far as they can. In the discus throw, competitors throw a steel rimmed hardwood or metal platter as far as they can. According to Spirit Track Club, the weights of the discus used in youth competition at the U.S.A. Track and Field Junior Olympics is 2.2 pounds for girls and 3.5 pounds for boys. The object of the javelin throw is also to throw it as far as possible. In professional adult competitions, a javelin is a wood or metal spear with a tip. Plastic javelins are used for youth events.
Tags: long jump, these events, discus throw, from number, high jump