Track and Field Terminology: A Comprehensive Glossary
Decoding the language of athletics requires understanding specialized terms, from acceleration in sprints to the nuances of field event groups; a
detailed PDF guide is invaluable․
General Track Terminology
Fundamental terms underpin the entire sport of track and field, forming a common language for athletes, coaches, and spectators alike․ A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF will invariably begin with definitions of “acceleration,” denoting a positive rate of velocity change, and “aerobic” capacity, relating to oxygen-fueled metabolic processes․
Understanding concepts like a “lap”—a complete track rotation—is crucial․ Terms like “heat” (a race within a round) and “group” (for field events within combined events) are essential for following competition structures․ The PDF should also clarify distinctions between “high hurdles” (110m/100m) and “intermediate hurdles” (400m)․
Furthermore, a good glossary will define the “straight” – the track section between curves – and explain the importance of a well-defined “landing area” for throwing events․ These foundational terms are the building blocks for understanding more specialized vocabulary․
Running Events
A track and field terminology PDF dedicated to running events must detail classifications by distance․ “Sprints” encompass short, explosive races, while “middle distance” covers events like the 800m and 1500m, demanding both speed and endurance․ “Long distance” events, such as the 5000m and 10,000m, prioritize sustained pace and stamina․
The PDF should define key sprint terms like “acceleration phase” and “maximum velocity․” For middle and long distance, explanations of “pacing,” “splits,” and “aerobic threshold” are vital․ Understanding “heats” and “finals” is also crucial for competition structure․
Furthermore, the glossary should clarify terms related to hurdles, like “stride pattern” and “trail leg,” and explain the concept of a “false start” applicable across all running disciplines․
Sprints
A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF focusing on sprints must define “acceleration” as a positive rate of velocity change․ Key terms include “block start,” detailing proper foot placement and reaction time․ “Stride frequency” and “stride length” are crucial biomechanical elements, alongside “top speed” and how athletes achieve it․
The PDF should explain “reaction time” – the interval between the starting signal and initial movement – and the penalty for a “false start․” It should also cover “lean,” the body angle maintained during a sprint, and “arm action,” vital for propulsion․
Definitions of “wind-assisted time” and “legal wind” are essential for understanding record eligibility․ Finally, the glossary should clarify distinctions between 100m, 200m, and 400m sprint strategies․
Middle Distance
A robust track and field terminology PDF dedicated to middle distances (800m, 1500m, mile) needs to define “pacing” – maintaining consistent speed – and “splits,” recording times for each segment․ “Tactics” are paramount; the PDF should explain strategies like front-running, pressing the pace, and negative splitting․
Key terms include “aerobic capacity,” the body’s ability to use oxygen, and “anaerobic threshold,” the point where lactic acid builds up․ “Kick” – a burst of speed at the finish – requires detailed explanation․ Understanding “lapping” (when a runner overtakes another by a lap) is also vital․
The glossary should clarify “internal pace” (effort level) versus “external pace” (actual speed) and the importance of “positioning” within the pack․
Long Distance
A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF covering long distances (3000m, 5000m, 10,000m, marathon) must define “endurance” and “stamina․” Crucially, it should explain “tempo runs” – sustained effort runs – and “interval training,” alternating fast and slow periods․ “Fartlek” training, Swedish for “speed play,” also needs clarification․
Terms like “hydration” and “nutrition” are vital, alongside “bonking” (hitting a wall due to glycogen depletion)․ The PDF should detail “cadence” (steps per minute) and its impact on efficiency․ Understanding “drafting” – running behind another to reduce wind resistance – is essential․
“Negative splits” (running the second half faster) and “positive splits” require clear definitions, as does “aerobic base․”
Jump Events
A robust track and field terminology PDF dedicated to jump events must thoroughly define key terms․ For the high jump, “Fosbury Flop” and “scissors kick” techniques need explanation, alongside “bar height” and “approach run․” In the long jump, “take-off board,” “flight phase,” and “landing pit” are essential․
The triple jump requires defining “hop,” “step,” and “jump” phases, plus “scratch” (a foul)․ For the pole vault, “runway,” “plant,” “take-off,” “flyaway,” and “crossbar” are critical․ The PDF should also clarify “personal best” (PB) and “season best” (SB)․
Understanding “wind assistance” and its impact on records is vital, as is defining a “no jump” or “foul․”
High Jump
A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF focusing on the high jump must detail techniques like the “Fosbury Flop,” the dominant modern style, and the older “scissors kick” and “straddle” methods․ Key terms include “bar height,” specifying the crossbar’s elevation, and “approach run,” describing the athlete’s run-up․
The PDF should define “take-off,” the moment of jumping, and explain “clearance,” successfully passing over the bar without dislodging it․ Understanding “failed attempt” and the rules governing attempts is crucial․ It must also clarify “personal best” (PB) and “season best” (SB) in relation to jump height․
Terms like “wind assistance” and its effect on valid jumps should be included, alongside explanations of “no jump” scenarios․
Long Jump
A detailed track and field terminology PDF dedicated to the long jump needs to define the phases: approach run, take-off, flight, and landing․ Crucial terms include “runway,” the athlete’s acceleration path, and “take-off board,” dictating jump initiation․ The PDF should explain “scratch,” a foul occurring before the board, and “valid jump,” measured from the take-off mark․
Understanding “personal best” (PB) and “season best” (SB) distances is vital․ It must clarify “wind-aided jump” versus “legal jump,” noting wind limits․ Terms like “hang time” (flight duration) and “landing technique” (heel-toe or flat-footed) should be included․
The PDF should also define “foul jump” and the measurement process, emphasizing accuracy to the nearest centimeter․
Triple Jump
A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF covering the triple jump must detail the three distinct phases: hop, step, and jump․ Key terms include “runway,” similar to the long jump, and the precise “take-off board” for each phase․ The PDF should define a “hop,” the first jump on the same leg, followed by a “step,” landing on the opposite leg․
It needs to explain the final “jump” into the sand pit, emphasizing proper technique․ Terms like “rhythm” and “bound” are crucial․ Understanding “foul jump” (stepping over the line) and “valid jump” is essential․
The PDF should also clarify measurement procedures and define “personal best” (PB) and “season best” (SB) distances achieved․
Pole Vault
A detailed track and field terminology PDF dedicated to the pole vault requires explaining specialized equipment and techniques․ Essential terms include the “pole” itself, varying in length and weight, and the “runway” used for approach․ The PDF must define the “plant,” where the vaulter embeds the pole into the “box․”
Key concepts are the “take-off,” “swing,” and “flyaway,” describing the athlete’s motion․ Understanding “clearance” – successfully passing over the bar – is vital, alongside defining a “failed attempt․”
The PDF should clarify “no-height” (not clearing any height) and explain the importance of “grip” and “pole carry․” It must also detail safety protocols and common faults;
Throwing Events
A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF covering throwing events must meticulously define each discipline․ For the shot put, terms like “sector,” “put,” and “glide” are crucial․ The discus throw requires explaining “flight,” “angle of release,” and the “cage” for safety․
The hammer throw necessitates defining the “circle,” “turns,” and the unique technique․ For the javelin throw, the PDF should detail the “run-up,” “throw line,” and proper “release” mechanics․
Essential terms across all events include “foul throw” (stepping outside the sector), “personal best” (PB), and “implement” (the object thrown)․ A glossary of judging terms and equipment specifications is also vital․
Shot Put
A dedicated section within a track and field terminology PDF for the shot put must define key terms․ “Sector” – the landing area – is paramount, alongside “put,” describing the actual throw․ Understanding the “glide” technique, a fundamental movement, is essential․ The “implement” itself – the iron, plastic, or brass sphere – needs precise specification regarding weight for different age/gender groups․
Further terms include “foul throw” (stepping on or beyond the front of the circle), “rotation,” and “power position․” Explaining judging criteria, like landing within the sector, is vital․ A visual diagram illustrating the throwing circle and sector would enhance comprehension․
The PDF should also clarify “personal best” (PB) and related record terminology․
Discus Throw
A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF dedicated to the discus throw requires detailed explanations․ Key terms include “discus,” specifying its construction and weight variations for different competitors․ “Sector” – the designated landing area – is crucial, alongside “rotation,” detailing the athlete’s turning motion․ Understanding the “wind-up” and “release” phases is essential for grasping technique․
The PDF should define “flight path” and explain how judges assess throws based on landing within the sector․ Terms like “foul throw” (stepping outside the circle) and “recovery” (post-throw movement) need clarification․ Diagrams illustrating proper technique and the throwing circle are invaluable․
Defining “personal best” (PB) and record classifications completes the section․
Hammer Throw
A robust track and field terminology PDF concerning the hammer throw must define the “hammer” itself – its weight and construction․ Crucially, it needs to explain the “circle,” the throwing area, and the rules governing footwork within it․ Terms like “rotation,” “swing,” and “release” require detailed descriptions, potentially with diagrams illustrating proper technique․
The PDF should clarify “sector,” the landing zone, and the consequences of a “foul throw” (exiting the circle incorrectly)․ Explaining the athlete’s winding-up process and the importance of maintaining balance is vital․ Defining “turns” (the number of rotations before release) is also necessary․
Finally, terms like “personal best” and “record” should be included for context․
Javelin Throw
A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF dedicated to the javelin throw must detail the javelin’s specifications – length, weight, and grip․ It should define the “run-up,” the approach to the throwing area, and the crucial “crossover step․” Explaining the “delivery stride” and the importance of a high release angle is essential․
The PDF needs to clarify the “sector,” the landing area, and the rules regarding a valid throw․ Terms like “fulcrum” (the pivot point during the throw) and “recovery” (the follow-through motion) require clear explanations․ Defining a “scratch” (a throw that lands outside the sector) is also vital․
Illustrations demonstrating proper technique and common errors would be beneficial․
Combined Events Terminology
A track and field terminology PDF covering combined events – like the decathlon and heptathlon – must clearly define these multi-discipline contests․ It should explain the scoring systems, often based on performance tables, and the concept of “points” accumulated across events․ Crucially, the PDF needs to differentiate between “Heats” for track events within combined events (h1, h2) and “Groups” for field events (A, B), as per World Athletics guidelines․
Terms like “personal best” (PB) and “season best” (SB) become particularly important when tracking athlete progress across multiple disciplines․ The PDF should also define terms related to specific events within the combined event, referencing their individual glossaries․
Understanding event order and rest periods is also key․
Relay Race Terminology
A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF dedicated to relay races must detail the specifics of the baton exchange․ Key terms include “exchange zone,” the designated area for a safe handover, and “blind pass” versus “visual pass” techniques․ The PDF should explain the rules regarding lane infringements and disqualifications, emphasizing the importance of a smooth, legal exchange․
It needs to define different relay types – 4x100m, 4x400m, and potentially distance medley relays – and the unique strategies for each․ Terms like “lead-off leg,” “anchor leg,” and “split time” are essential․ A good PDF will also clarify rules regarding early starts or impeding other runners during the exchange․
Understanding relay formations is also crucial․
Track Measurement & Components
A thorough track and field terminology PDF must meticulously define track measurements and components․ The standard track length is 400 meters, but the PDF should clarify variations for indoor tracks․ Key terms include “lane width” (typically 1․22 meters), “staggered start,” and the dimensions of the infield․ It needs to explain the purpose of the “curb” and its role in defining lane boundaries․
The PDF should detail how track surfaces are measured and certified, referencing standards set by governing bodies․ Explanations of the “finish line,” “exchange zone” (relevant to relays), and the markings for different race distances are vital․ Diagrams illustrating track layouts and component dimensions would be beneficial․
Understanding these elements is fundamental․
Starting Procedures & Terminology
A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF must dedicate a section to starting procedures․ Key terms include “On your marks,” “Set,” and “Go” – detailing the precise commands and athlete actions associated with each․ The PDF should explain the role of the “starter” and the “recall” procedure if a false start occurs․
It needs to define “blocks” and their proper setup, as well as the concept of a “reaction time․” Explanations of different starting styles (e․g․, bunch start, staggered start) are crucial․ The PDF should also cover terminology related to hurdle starts and relay exchanges․
Understanding these procedures is vital for fair competition and athlete safety․
Common Training Terminology
A robust track and field terminology PDF must include a section dedicated to common training terms․ This encompasses concepts like “repetitions” (reps), “sets,” and “intervals,” explaining their application in workouts․ Defining “tempo runs,” “fartleks,” and “long runs” is essential for understanding endurance training․
The PDF should clarify terms like “plyometrics,” “cross-training,” and “periodization,” detailing their benefits․ It needs to explain “recovery” – both active and passive – and the importance of “tapering” before competition․ Terms like “PR” (personal record) and “PB” (personal best) should also be defined․
This section bridges the gap between coaching instructions and athlete understanding․
World Athletics Abbreviations (Track Events)
A comprehensive track and field terminology PDF must dedicate a section to World Athletics abbreviations for track events․ Crucially, it should detail how events within combined events are designated: “Heats” are denoted as “h1” for Heat 1, “h2” for Heat 2, and so forth․ This standardization is vital for interpreting results and understanding competition structures․
The PDF should also clarify abbreviations for round progression – qualifiers (q), semi-finals (sf), and finals (f)․ Understanding “PB” (Personal Best) and “SB” (Season Best) is also essential․ Further, it should list common distance abbreviations (e․g․, 100m, 400m, 1500m)․
Consistent use of these abbreviations ensures clarity in reporting and analysis․
World Athletics Abbreviations (Field Events)
A thorough track and field terminology PDF requires a dedicated section for World Athletics abbreviations specific to field events․ Similar to track events, combined event field events are designated as “Groups,” labeled “Group A” (A) and “Group B” (B)․ This distinction is crucial for following multi-discipline competitions․
The PDF should also define abbreviations relating to attempts and results – for example, ‘x’ signifying a failed attempt, and ‘NM’ indicating ‘no mark․’ Clarifying abbreviations for qualifying standards (e․g․, ‘Q’ for automatic qualifier) is also vital․
Consistent application of these abbreviations within the PDF ensures accurate interpretation of field event data and competition outcomes․