Track and Field Terms Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the acceleration zone in relay races?

The 10 meters leading up to the exchange zone.

What is an anchor in a relay race?

The final runner for each team.

What does ancillary training refer to?

Non sports-specific training that helps athletes boost their overall performance.

What is the angle of release in throwing events?

The trajectory of a throwing implement immediately after it's released by the athlete. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approach phase in jumping events?

The running phase of the jumping events and the javelin throw. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to refer to track and field events?

Athletics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a baton in a relay race?

To be passed between runners during the race. Signup and view all the answers

What is the bell lap in a race?

The final lap of a race. Signup and view all the answers

What is a blind pass in relay races?

Receiving the baton from the previous runner without looking. Signup and view all the answers

What does blocking refer to in track and field?

Bracing one side of the body to transfer momentum to the other side. Signup and view all the answers

How is the distance measured for the box in pole vaulting?

1 meter long, 0.6 meters wide in front, and 0.15 meters wide at the far end. Signup and view all the answers

What are break-lines used for?

Marks on a track used in some races with staggered starts. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cage in track and field?

A high fence that surrounds the throwing circle. Signup and view all the answers

What is a changeover in relay races?

The act of passing the baton between runners. Signup and view all the answers

What does a check mark signify for runners?

Marks made on the track to guide them during an approach run. Signup and view all the answers

What are combined events in athletics?

Competitions in which athletes take part in multiple events. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crossbar in high jump?

The horizontal bar that must be cleared by athletes. Signup and view all the answers

What are cross steps in javelin throwing?

The final steps of an athlete's approach run before throwing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crouch start?

The standard starting position for races without starting blocks. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a dash in track events?

Another name for a sprint race, up to 400 meters long. Signup and view all the answers

What is a decathlon?

A 10-event competition held over two consecutive days. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Diamond League?

An annual series of meets where competitors earn points. Signup and view all the answers

What is a discus in track and field?

A circular throwing implement used in the discus throw event. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to engage in doping?

Taking illegal performance-enhancing drugs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the drive phase in a sprint race?

The early segment during which the athlete accelerates. Signup and view all the answers

What is a heat in track events?

A preliminary race that involves multiple rounds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the high jump event?

A jumping event where athletes leap over a horizontal bar. Signup and view all the answers

What are the hurdles in track and field?

Barriers that runners must clear during hurdle races. Signup and view all the answers

What does IAAF stand for?

International Association of Athletics Federations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact area in throwing events?

The portion of the field where the implement is supposed to land. Signup and view all the answers

What is the glide technique in shot put?

A style where the thrower hops in a straight line without rotating. Signup and view all the answers

What is the javelin?

The implement used in the javelin throw event. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pole vault event?

A jumping event where a long pole is used to propel the jumper. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a relay race?

A race involving multiple runners handing off a baton. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sandpit in jumping events?

An area where athletes land after a jump. Signup and view all the answers

What is the shot put in track and field?

A field throwing event where a heavy ball is thrown. Signup and view all the answers

What is a sprint in athletics?

A short running race where acceleration and speed are important. Signup and view all the answers

What are starting blocks used for?

Items used in sprint races for a good start. Signup and view all the answers

What is steeplechase?

A middle to long distance race with obstacles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the triple jump event?

A jumping event with three distinct phases. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Track and Field Terminology

Acceleration Zone: The initial 10 meters before the exchange zone in relay races; used by runners to build speed before passing the baton.
Anchor: The last runner in a relay team, usually the fastest, responsible for closing the race.
Ancillary Training: Non-sport-specific workouts that enhance athletic performance, such as weight training for runners or running for throwers' endurance.
Angle of Release: The angle at which an implement is thrown; optimal for shot put is about 37-38 degrees.
Approach: The preliminary running phase in jumping events and javelin throws leading to takeoff.
Athletics: A term encompassing all track and field events, used in contexts like the Olympics.
Baton: A hollow tube passed during relay races, with Olympic specifications of 28-30 cm in length.
Bell Lap: The last lap of a race marked by an official ringing a bell to notify competitors.
Blind Pass: A baton handoff method in 4 x 100-meter relays, performed without the receiving runner looking.
Blocking: A technique used to transfer body momentum effectively, particularly in javelin throwing.
Bounding: A training method combining running and jumping, frequently practiced by triple jumpers.
Box: A designated area at the end of a pole vault runway where the pole is planted; dimensions are 1m x 0.6m at the front.
Break-line: Track markings used in staggered starts to indicate when runners may leave their lanes.
Cage: A safety enclosure around throwing circles for discus and hammer events, protecting spectators.
Changeover: The process of baton exchange between runners in a relay race.
Check Mark: Marks on the track placed by athletes or coaches to assist with approach runs.
Combined Events: Competitions involving multiple track and field events, such as decathlon and heptathlon.
Crossbar: The bar pole vaulters and high jumpers must clear during their jump attempts.
Cross Steps: Final approach steps in javelin throwing, focusing on body alignment and javelin control.
Crouch Start: Starting position without blocks, where runners are low and ready for the signal.
Curb: The inner edge of a running track's lane.
Dash: A term for sprint races, typically referring to distances up to 400 meters.
Decathlon: A two-day, 10-event competition primarily for men, featuring different track and field events.
Diamond League: A series of annual track and field meets awarding points based on event placements.
Discus: A circular projectile used in throwing events, with weight specifications varying by gender.
Discus Throw: An event focused on throwing the discus as far as possible, typically using a rotational technique.
Doping: The illegal use of performance-enhancing drugs in athletics.
Draft: Following closely behind another runner in a race to reduce wind resistance.
Drive Phase: The initial part of a sprint or javelin approach where acceleration occurs.
Dual-Alley Start: A staggered starting method used in large-distance races where runners must stay in outside lanes until clearing the turn.
Exchange Zone: Designated 20-meter sections in relay races where baton exchanges occur.
False Start: An early movement by a runner before the race begins, leading to potential disqualification.
Fartlek: A varied speed running method, involving intervals of speed play during workouts.
Field Events: Comprises jumping and throwing competitions, including high jump, pole vault, and shot put.
Finish Line: The conclusive point of a race marking the end of competition.
Flight Phase: The airborne segment of a jump, occurring between takeoff and landing.
Fosbury Flop: A modern technique for high jump popularized by Dick Fosbury, where jumpers clear the bar face up.
Glide Technique: A shot put method where the thrower maintains a straight line from the back to the front of the circle.
Grip: The technique employed to hold a throwing implement or pole during pole vaulting.
Grip Height: The measurement from the top of the pole to the athlete's upper hand in pole vaulting.
Hammer: A throwing implement composed of a metal ball on a wire handle; weight varies by athlete's gender.
Hammer Throw: An athletic competition aiming to throw the hammer as far as possible, typically with rotational moves.
Headwind: Wind resistance affecting a sprinter or jumper, which can hinder performance.
Heptathlon: A two-day, seven-event competition primarily for women, which awards points based on performance.
Heat: A preliminary round of races leading to a final, particularly in events with multiple qualifying rounds.
High Hurdles: See "hurdles race"; races involving barriers that runners must clear.
High Jump: An event in which athletes attempt to jump over a horizontal bar.
Hurdles: Barriers of various heights in hurdle races, requiring athletes to jump over during competition.
IAAF: The governing body for international track and field, setting regulations and standards.
Impact Area: The designated sector for landing in throwing events.
Implement: Objects utilized in throwing contests, such as shot puts and javelins.
Interval Training: A training regimen of alternating high-intensity and lower-intensity exercises.
IOC: The International Olympic Committee, overseeing the Olympic Games and regulations.
Javelin: A spear-like object thrown in javelin competitions, with weight differing for men and women.
Javelin Throw: Athletic competition involving throwing a javelin for maximum distance.
Jumps: A category of events incorporating vertical or horizontal leaps.
Junior: Athletes under 20 years of age as of December 31 of a given year.
Kick: A final surge of speed near the race's conclusion, also known as a "finishing kick."
Long Jump: A jumping event where the goal is to achieve the longest horizontal distance.
Pace: The speed at which a runner maintains during a race, critical for strategizing performance.
Pentathlon: A combined event featuring five different disciplines.
Pole Vault: A jumping event utilizing a pole to achieve great height.
Relay Race: A team race typically involving four runners who pass a baton between legs.
Sandpit: The landing area for long jump and triple jump events.
Shot Put: A throwing event where athletes aim to throw a heavy ball the farthest.
Sprint: Short-distance racing where speed and acceleration are essential.
Starting Blocks: Devices used by sprinters to maximize their start.
Steeplechase: A distance event featuring hurdles and water jumps.
Triple Jump: A jumping event characterized by a series of three distinct jumps: hop, step, jump.

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Test your knowledge of essential terms in track and field with these flashcards. Learn definitions for key concepts like the acceleration zone and anchor. Perfect for athletes and fans looking to sharpen their understanding of the sport.