Athletics
Athletics, often referred to as track and field, is a collection of competitive sports that test an athlete's speed, strength, endurance, and technique. It includes three main categories: running, jumping, and throwing events.
- Running events range from explosive sprints to endurance-based long-distance races, as well as relay races that emphasize teamwork and precision
- Jumping events challenge athletes to achieve maximum height or distance, requiring power, coordination, and technical skill
- Throwing events focus on projecting objects like a shot, discus, or javelin, as far as possible, relying on strength, balance, and precision
Athletics also includes unique events like hurdles, which combine running and jumping.
Teaching tips
Use KIDDO’s teaching tips to help children develop the skills required for different athletic events:
Sprinting
- Explode: Push hard with your back foot to start quickly
- Lean forward: Keep your body angled forward to drive momentum
- Pump your arms: Swing arms from hip to lip to help propel you forward
- Quick steps: Take short, fast steps to build speed rapidly
- Stay low: Keep your body low for the first few strides to maintain balance and power
Long Jump
- Run fast: Build up good speed during your run-up to give you power for the jump
- Step on the board: Aim to take off right on the take-off board. Keep your last few steps controlled but quick
- Big push: Jump off one foot and push hard into the air like you’re leaping over a puddle
- Swing up: Drive your opposite knee up high, and swing your arms up to help lift you higher and farther
- Land in the sand: Stretch your legs out in front of you and lean forward to land softly on your feet in the sandpit
Long Throw
- Grip it like a claw: Show them how to hold the ball with their fingers spread wide, using their fingertips (not their palm) for a good grip
- Start with a steady jog: Teach children to take a few controlled running steps before throwing
- Last step is big: Show them how to take a longer step with their opposite foot (e.g., left foot for right-handed throwers) before they throw
- Twist your body: As they plant their front foot, have them twist their hips and shoulders back to prepare for the throw. Their back foot should stay on the ground to push off
- Big arm swing: While twisting forward, bring the throwing arm back and then swing it forward fast, aiming for a straight line toward the target.
- Release at the top: Release the ball when their arm is fully extended and pointing at the target
- Follow through with a step: Encourage them to let their throwing arm and body naturally follow the motion after releasing the ball. Their back leg should step forward to stay balanced
Relay Running
- Start with a strong takeoff: Explode off the line. Focus on a quick, powerful start to get up to speed fast
- Stay in your lane: Teach children to stay in their designated lane to avoid disqualifications. They should run a straight line from start to finish
- Pass the baton gently: The runner handing off the baton should focus on placing the baton in the receiving runner’s hand (not just tossing it)
- Hold your hand out like you're reaching for a snack: Their hand should be open and ready to receive the baton
- Run through the baton pass: The hand-off runner should continue running after passing the baton