Track And Field

Track and field is one of the oldest and most diverse

sports, encompassing a wide range of athletic events that
test speed, endurance, strength, and skill. It forms the
backbone of modern athletics and is a cornerstone of the
Olympic Games.

 Historical Background
Origins: Track and field dates back to ancient
civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome,
where running, jumping, and throwing contests
were common.

Olympic Heritage: The sport gained prominence in

ancient Greece during the Olympic Games in 776
BCE, with events like the stadion race (a short
sprint).

Modern Era: The modern track and field structure

began in the 19th century, with organized
competitions in England, the United States, and
Europe. It became a part of the first modern
Olympic Games in 1896.
 Overview of Events

1) Track Events

Sprints: Short-distance races emphasizing speed

(e.g., 100m, 200m, 400m).

Middle-Distance: Races combining speed and

endurance (e.g., 800m, 1500m).

Long-Distance: Tests endurance over extended

distances (e.g., 5000m, 10,000m).

Hurdles: Races involving jumping over barriers (e.g.,

100m hurdles for women, 110m hurdles for men,
400m hurdles).

Relay Races: Team events involving baton passing

(e.g., 4×100m, 4×400m).

2) Field Events
 Jumping Events: Horizontal Jumps: Long jump,
triple jump. Vertical Jumps: High jump, pole vault.

Throwing Events: Shot put, discus throw, javelin

throw, hammer throw.

Combined Events: Competitions combining

multiple disciplines, such as:

Decathlon: 10 events for men (sprints, jumps,

throws, and distance running).

Heptathlon: 7 events for women (a mix of

running, jumping, and throwing).

 Key Features of Track and Field

1. Competition Areas:

Track: Oval-shaped, typically 400m in

circumference, with lanes for sprints and distance
races.

Field: Areas for jumping and throwing events,

often adjacent to the track.
 2. Equipment:

. Spikes for better traction on the track.,

Specialized implements for throwing events (e.g.,
javelins, hammers)

3. Scoring and Timing:

. Events are timed to the millisecond for accuracy.

. In field events, distances and heights are

measured for ranking.

4. Governing Bodies:

World Athletics: Oversees international

competitions and maintains records.

National Federations: Organize local and

national events (e.g., USA Track & Field, Athletics
Federation of India).

 Importance of Track and Field

1.Physical Development:
Track and field enhances cardiovascular fitness,
muscular strength, flexibility, and coordination.

2. Global Reach:

A truly international sport with universal appeal.

Integral to the Olympic Games, World Championships, and
regional events like the Asian Games.

3. Inclusivity:

. Events cater to a wide range of athletes based on

age, gender, and ability.

. Adaptive track and field events are a vital part of

the Paralympic Games.

4.Foundation for Other Sports:

Track and field provides fundamental skills
(running, jumping, throwing) essential for many
other sports.

 TYPES OF START’S

In track and field, the starting technique can

greatly influence an athlete’s Performance in
sprints and hurdles. There are three primary
types of starts:
Standing start, crouch start, and block start.
Each method has its unique Characteristics,
advantages, and disadvantages.
STANDING START:-

The standing start is the simplest form of

beginning a race. Athletes begin in
An upright position with feet shoulder-width
apart and weight evenly
Distributed. This start is commonly used in
longer distances or events where a Quick
acceleration is less critical.

CROUCH START

The crouch start involves the athlete bending

forward and lowering their Center of gravity.
Runners place one foot forward while the other
foot is
Positioned back, creating a compact stance
conducive to rapid acceleration. This start is
often used in mid-distance races.

BLOCK START

The block start is a specialized technique used

primarily in sprint events.
 Athletes utilize starting blocks to provide a
solid foundation for their feet. The Athlete
positions themselves in a crouched stance,
with their hands on theGround and feet in the
blocks, allowing for maximum propulsion.

 Phases of Start for Standing, Crouch,

and Block Starts

1. STANDING START

On Your Marks Phase :-

Athlete: Establish balance in an upright
posture.

Position:
1.Feet are staggered, with one foot placed
slightly ahead of the other.

2.The dominant leg is placed behind for

maximum propulsion.

3.Arms hang loosely, and the body leans

slightly forward.

Biomechanics:-
The athlete’s center of gravity is slightly forward,
helping with a smooth transition into motion.

Set Position Phase :-

Objective: Prepare for the explosive first

step.

Position:
1.The athlete leans further forward, bending
slightly at the hips.

2.The rear leg bends more, storing energy for

the first step.

3.Hands are kept ready to pump during the

launch.

Biomechanics:

1.The forward lean reduces air resistance

during the initial motion.

2. Proper muscle tension ensures

effective energy transfer.
Reaction Phase (Launch):-

Objective: Transition quickly into running

motion.

Execution:

1.A quick push-off from the rear leg propels

the athlete forward.

2.The front leg drives powerfully, and arms

pump to counterbalance the motion.

Biomechanics:-

1.Ground Reaction Force (GRF) generated by

the push-off translates into forward
momentum.

2. The initial stride is short but powerful to

build momentum quickly.

2..Crouch Start

On Your Marks Phase :-

Objective: Position the body low for
maximum explosive power.

Position:

1.Feet are placed flat against the ground,

with knees bent and hands placed on the
track just behind the starting line.

2. The dominant leg is in front, and the rear

leg is positioned farther back to store power.

Biomechanics:-

Lower center of gravity provides stability and

prepares muscles for quick engagement.

Set Position Phase:-

Objective: Create optimal angles for a

powerful push-off.

Position:

1.Hips are raised above shoulder level (~30°–45°

angle with the ground).

2. Knees are bent at ~90° for the front leg and

~120° for the rear leg.
3. Hands remain in contact with the ground.

Biomechanics:-

1. This position maximizes the conversion of

stored potential energy into kinetic energy.

2. Body alignment ensures that the initial

movement will be forward rather than
upward.

Reaction Phase (Launch) :-

Objective: Propel the body forward with

explosive force.

Execution:

1. The rear leg pushes off first, followed by

an immediate push from the front leg.

2. Arms swing forward in sync with leg

motion to enhance balance and momentum.

Biomechanics:
 1. Explosive triple extension (ankle, knee,
and hip joints) generates forward propulsion.
2. Stride length and frequency gradually
increase for acceleration.

3. Block Start (Used in Sprints)

On Your Marks Phase :-

Objective: Establish a stable and loaded

position in the starting blocks.

Position:

1. Feet are placed in the starting blocks, with

the front foot in the front block and the rear
foot in the rear block.

2. Knees rest on the ground, and hands are

placed behind the starting line, shoulder-
width apart.

3. Head and neck are in a neutral position.

Biomechanics:

The blocks allow athletes to push off with

maximum force and ensure balance.
Set Position Phase:-

Objective: Align the body for an explosive

and efficient launch.

Position:

1. Hips are raised above the shoulders.

2. The front knee forms a ~90° angle, and

the rear knee forms a ~120° angle.

3. Weight is evenly distributed between

hands and feet.

Biomechanics:

1. This position creates maximum potential

energy in the legs.

2. The alignment of the body reduces air

resistance during the initial strides.

Reaction Phase (Launch) :-

 Objective: Generate maximum forward
acceleration.
Execution:

1. Push forcefully against the blocks with

both feet, starting with the rear leg.

2. Arms swing powerfully in opposition to the

legs to maintain balance.

3. The head remains low, and the torso leans

forward (~45° angle).

Biomechanics:

1. The blocks provide added friction,

enabling the athlete to generate higher
Ground Reaction Force (GRF).

2. Quick transitions and explosive stride

frequency are key to maximizing
acceleration.

 Components of Starting Blocks

1. Base Plate :-
A flat metal or composite plate that lies on the
track.
Equipped with spikes or friction pads on the
underside to prevent slipping.
2. Pedals:-
Adjustable, angled platforms where the athlete’s
feet rest.
Typically covered with grip-enhancing materials
(e.g., rubber).
Adjustable forward or backward to suit the
athlete’s body mechanics and leg length.

3. Anchor Mechanism:-

Ensures the blocks stay securely in place when

subjected to the explosive force of the start.
Includes locking mechanisms or clamps to keep the
pedals stable.

4. Adjustments:-

Angle Settings: Pedals can be set to various angles

(commonly between 40°–65°) to match the
athlete’s preferred starting posture.
Distance Settings: The spacing between the pedals
is adjustable to accommodate different stride
lengths and starting techniques.

Functions of Block Mechanism

1. Enhanced Force Production:-

The blocks allow athletes to exert maximum
Ground Reaction Force (GRF) against a stable
surface.
This converts stored potential energy into
explosive forward motion.

2. Stability:-
Blocks prevent slippage during the push-off,
ensuring all energy is directed forward.

3. Biomechanical Efficiency
Adjustable settings enable optimal body alignment
for the “set” and “push” phases.
Athletes achieve the best angles for acceleration,
reducing wasted energy.
 4. Improved Reaction Time
By providing firm resistance, blocks facilitate a
faster and more coordinated initial stride.

Physics Behind the Block Mechanism:-

1) Newton’s Third Law :-
When sprinters push against the blocks, the blocks
push back with an equal and opposite force,
propelling the athlete forward

2) Ground Reaction Force (GRF) :-

The stiffer surface of the blocks compared to the
track enhances the generation of GRF, ensuring
efficient force transfer.

3) Torque and Leverage :-

The angle of the pedals provides leverage to the
athlete’s legs, enabling powerful hip, knee, and
ankle extension (triple extension)

Role of Block Mechanism in Sprints:-

  The block mechanism is critical in short-
distance races where a good start can
significantly impact performance.
 It is mandatory in professional sprint races to
ensure uniformity and fairness.
 Blocks are crucial for athletes to generate high
levels of acceleration during the first 20–30
meters of the race.

World Records in Short-Distance &

Hurdle Events

100m

1) The 100m sprint is the ultimate test of

explosive power, speed, and technique.

2) Usain Bolt’s 9.58s World Record (2009)

remains unmatched due to his stride length
and acceleration phase.

200m

1) The 200m combines speed with endurance,

requiring efficient energy management.
 2) Bolt’s 19.19s World Record (2009)
demonstrated his ability to maintain top
speed through the curve and straight.

400m
1) The 400m is a mix of anaerobic speed and
endurance.
2) Wayde van Niekerk’s 43.03s (2016) record
broke limits with perfect pacing and a strong
finish.

Hurdle Events
1) 100m Hurdles (Women) & 110m Hurdles
(Men)
2) Requires precise timing, agility, and speed.
3) World Records:
4) 12.20s by Kendra Harrison (2016) for
women.
5) 12.80s by Aries Merritt (2012) for men.

400m Hurdles
1) Combines endurance with hurdle
technique.
2) World Records:
 3) 45.94s by Karsten Warholm (2021) for
men.
4) 50.68s by Sydney McLaughlin (2022) for
women.

Relay Races :-

4×100m Relay
World Records:
1) Men: 36.84s (Jamaica, 2012).
2) Women: 40.82s (USA, 2012).

4×400m Relay:-

World Records:
1) Men: 2:54.29 (USA, 1993).
2) Women: 3:15.17 (Soviet Union, 1988).

Conclusion :-

Track and field is a timeless sport that

celebrates speed, strength, and
endurance through diverse events like
sprints, jumps, throws, and relays. With
a rich history and global appeal, it
fosters physical and mental growth while
promoting values like dedication and
sportsmanship. As a cornerstone of
major competitions, it continues to
inspire athletes and unite audiences
worldwide.