Aim: To introduce young people to athletics. Taken from the BB Company Section Discoverer Pro Pack, Recreation, Sports and games K1
• Shot Puts
• Measuring Tape
• High Jump Equipment
Practising Track & Field Events
Aim: To show the young people the main techniques for the different events.
• Why not try some of the events, particularly the ones that the young people may not normally get a chance to try?
• Spend time thinking about what events you do. These will depend on what equipment you have available, what experience you have with the equipment, and what qualifications you have.
• The javelin should be held horizontally during your approach.
• As you approach the line, pull the javelin back with a straight arm, staying as upright as possible to give you the power you need behind the throw.
• The javelin should be pulled through strongly after the left leg is firmly planted in front of the line.
• Keep your elbow and arm as high as possible during the throw.
• Aim to release the javelin over your front foot.
• Rest the shot on the base of your fingers and push it against your neck.
• Adopt a back-facing stance at the back of the circle, with your weight mainly on the right leg (if you are right handed).
• To build the power needed to throw, lower your weight onto your right leg and form a low and closed crouching position.
• Prepare to launch your body.
• To begin your launch, drive your right leg downward and then powerfully thrust your left leg towards the toe board.
• The power you generate here is crucial to a good throw.
• With a side-on stance, transfer the power up through the legs, body and throwing arm.
• With a high elbow, release the shot by punching your arm to the sky and flipping the wrist.
• The shot can easily fall away from the neck during the throw so make sure it is fully pressed hard against your neck until the final release.
• Starting a sprint race is all about explosion of speed and power. But you do need to keep it under control. Being relaxed helps your body run efficiently and quickly at any distance.
• Try to breathe gently and await the starters commands.
• Crouch on one knee and form a high bridge with your fingers just behind the line.
• Your hands should be placed slightly wider than your shoulder width. If you feel cramped, you are probably positioned too close to the start line.
• Don’t get distracted by anything or anybody. Keeping your eyes focused on the ground ahead of you will help your balance, focus and relaxation.
• Raise your hips to a level just above your shoulders.
• Your head shouldn’t be dropped towards the ground but don’t ‘crick’ your neck by trying to look up the track.
• Lean your body as far forward as you can and aim to begin running without stumbling. Wait for that starting signal.
• On the B of the Bang, breathe out hard and pump those arms and legs.
• Try not to travel too far with each stride to start with.
• Thrust your elbows as high as possible with each backward swing and drive your legs with a high knee action.
• Keeping your body low in your opening strides will thrust you forward.
Most young people will be comfortable using a scissor-kick motion to propel themselves over the high jump bar.
• About halfway through your run up make sure you pump those arms and legs to get maximum speed.
• On take-off, power yourself by driving your leading leg upward.
• It is important to help force your body through the air by circling your arms. They should first go downward, then backward, upward and finally forward.
• To delay landing too early, thrust both legs outward in their extended position, and drive your hands down. This will thrust your shoulders and head forward.
• On landing, bend your knees and move your upper body forward as you hit the sand. To get a longer jump and prevent yourself from falling backwards, lean to one side as you land, using one elbow for balance.
Safety Issues / Risk Assessment:
• All physical activity should be preceded with a warm-up session (refer to the warm-up sessions topic in Recreation — Health & Lifestyle).
• Make sure there is adequate supervision for the number of young people to both help some with their technique whilst also watching the rest of the group.
• Certain activities (such as Discus) require specific equipment and regulations prior to undertaking.
For full details see the BB Company Section Discoverer Pro Pack, Recreation, Sports and games K1 see also the activity BB Sports Day
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