Athletics refers to sporting activities that involve running, jumping, and throwing. It is a sport that develops the body through natural movements.

Athletics is sometimes called track and field events because some activities take place on the track (running), while others take place on the field (jumping and throwing).

Athletics is divided into two main parts:

1. Track events


2. Field events

1. Track events

   hese are events that take place on the running track.

   Examples of track events include:

   
   
   • 100 metres
   
   
   • 200 metres
   
   
   • 400 metres
   
   
   • 800 metres
   
   
   • 1500 metres
   
   
   • Hurdles
   
   
   • Relays (e.g. 4 × 100 metres relay)




2. Field events

   These are events that take place on the field.

   They are divided into two groups:

   
   
   • Jumping events:
     
     
     • Long jump
     
     
     • High jump
   
   
   • Throwing events:
     
     
     • Shot put
     
     
     • Discus
     
     
     • Javelin

1. It helps to keep the body fit and healthy.


2. It helps to develop strength and endurance.


3. It helps in building sportsmanship and team spirit.


4. It provides recreation and relaxation.

Field events are divided into jumping and throwing events. Each event has basic skills that athletes must learn to participate properly and safely.

1. Long Jump — Basic Skills
   
   
   • Approach run: The athlete runs fast and steadily towards the take-off board in a straight line.
   
   
   • Take-off: The athlete pushes strongly from the take-off board with one foot.
   
   
   • Flight: The athlete lifts both knees, swings arms, and maintains balance in the air.
   
   
   • Landing: The athlete lands with both feet together in the sandpit, bending the knees slightly to absorb shock.
   
   



2. High Jump — Basic Skills
   
   
   • Approach run: The athlete runs in a curved path towards the bar at a controlled speed.
   
   
   • Take-off: The athlete jumps off from the foot farthest from the bar.
   
   
   • Flight: The athlete lifts the body up and over the bar, using either the scissor or flop style.
   
   
   • Landing: The athlete lands on the back or feet on the soft mat (landing area).




THROWING EVENTS




3. Shot Put — Basic Skills
   
   
1. Grip: The shot rests at the base of the fingers (not the palm).


2. Position: The shot is placed under the jaw, against the neck.


3. Stance: The athlete stands sideways in the circle, feet apart, knees bent slightly.


4. Putting action: The athlete pushes the shot forward with one hand in a smooth motion (no throwing).


5. Follow-through: The arm continues forward after releasing the shot.




4. Discus Throw — Basic Skills
   
   
   • Grip: The discus rests on the palm, fingers spread around the edge.
   
   
   • Stance: The athlete stands sideways inside the throwing circle.
   
   
   • Swing: The athlete swings the discus backwards and forwards to build momentum.
   
   
   • Throw: The discus is released at shoulder height with a wrist flick.
   
   
   • Follow-through: The throwing arm moves in the direction of the throw.




5. Javelin Throw — Basic Skills
   
   
   • Grip: The javelin is held firmly at the grip in the middle using the thumb and first two fingers.
   
   
   • Carry: The javelin is carried above the shoulder, pointing forward during the run-up.
   
   
   • Approach run: The athlete runs steadily to gain speed.
   
   
   • Throw: The javelin is thrown over the shoulder with force and correct angle.
   
   
   • Follow-through: The throwing arm and body continue in the direction of the throw after release.

Each field event has rules that guide how athletes should perform the event safely, fairly, and according to standard competition guidelines.

Let us look at the rules for each event:

• The athlete must take off from the take-off board without stepping beyond it.


• The jump is measured from the take-off line to the nearest mark made in the sandpit by any part of the body.


• The athlete must land in the sandpit



• A jump is counted as a no jump (foul) if the athlete:

  • Steps beyond the take-off board
  
  
  • Falls back on landing and touches the ground behind the mark made by the feet

• The athlete must take off from one foot only.


• The athlete must jump over the bar without knocking it down.


• Three consecutive failures (whether at one height or combined heights) will disqualify the athlete.


• The height of the bar is raised after each round of successful jumps.


• The athlete may choose to pass a height.

• The athlete must put (push) the shot from the shoulder using one hand only — no throwing is allowed.


• The shot must land within the marked throwing sector.


• The athlete must stay inside the circle until the shot lands, and must leave from the rear half of the circle.


• If the athlete steps out of the circle before the shot lands, it is a foul throw.

• The athlete must throw the discus from within the circle.


• The discus must land inside the marked sector lines.


• The athlete must not step out of the circle before the discus lands.


• The athlete must leave the circle from the rear half after the throw.

• The javelin must be held at the grip and thrown over the shoulder or upper arm — no slinging or turning allowed.


• The javelin must land tip first within the marked sector.


• The athlete must not cross the foul line at the end of the runway during or after the throw.


• The athlete must stay behind the foul line until the javelin lands.

• The athlete must perform within the marked area (circle, runway, or sector).


• The athlete must wait for the official signal before starting the attempt.


• Each athlete is usually given a set number of trials (often 3 or more).


• The best valid trial is recorded as the athlete’s result.


• Safety rules must be followed to avoid injury.