Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

Athletics is the 'mother' of all sports disciplines and holds fundamental importance. It is the starting point for understanding skills and techniques in various modalities, as well as a means to improve overall physical fitness. Athletics is a unique combination of speed, strength, coordination, and endurance, presenting different forms of expression of these skills. Essentially, the study of Athletics opens the door to a broad and diverse sports world.

Contextualization

Athletics is highly representative within the discipline of Physical Education, as each movement involved receives meticulous attention. Understanding the techniques of this sport provides a solid foundation for the study of other sports disciplines and offers a comprehensive understanding of human physical capabilities. Furthermore, Athletics competitions are part of the Olympic Games, the world's largest sporting event. Therefore, familiarity with Athletics is integral to physical education and the sports development of students.

Theoretical Development

Components of Athletics

• Running: Races, whether short or long distances, are the central component of Athletics. Proper technique, acceleration ability, and physical endurance are determining factors.
  • Speed race: The 100-meter sprint, one of the most popular, combines an explosion of strength with the ability to maintain speed. Posture and initial technique, as well as proper force distribution throughout the race, are essential.
  • Endurance race: The marathon, with 42.195 kilometers, is one of the most challenging. Energy management and mental endurance are crucial aspects.
• Jumps: Jumps, whether in high jump, long jump, or pole vault, require strength, speed, and technique. The precision of the movement and knowledge of the jump are important.
  • Triple jump: Comprised of a series of consecutive jumps, it requires strength and coordination. The first jump must be executed at maximum speed, the second with balance, and the third with strength and precision.
• Throws: Strength, coordination, and speed combine in the throwing action. Additionally, the technique and ability to throw at the correct angle are crucial.
  • Javelin throw: It is a combination of speed, strength, and technique. The curve of the throw and the release at the right moment are determining factors.
• Shot put: Similar to throws, shot put requires strength and technique. However, unlike throws, the distance covered by the thrown object is shorter.
  • Shot put: Requires strength and a good initial push. The throwing technique and direction are crucial for success.

Key Terms

• Explosive Start: It is the initial acceleration of an athlete, characterized by intense acceleration. This technique is fundamental for short-distance races.
• Cruise Speed: It is the speed that a runner can maintain for a long period without getting tired. It is an important skill for medium and long-distance races.
• Attack Phase: Refers to the moment when the athlete takes off for the jump. Efficiency and technique in this phase define the distance reached in the long jump.
• Phase Hit: It is the contact of the pole with the push-off box in pole vaulting. It is crucial for the athlete's thrust in the jump.
• Release: It is the moment when the object is released in the throwing action. The release technique is important as it directly affects the trajectory of the object.

Examples and Cases

• Usain Bolt: Jamaican athlete, winner of 8 Olympic gold medals. He is known for his explosive start and cruise speed, especially in the 100-meter sprint.
• Mike Powell: Holder of the outdoor long jump world record (8.95 meters), Powell stood out for his attack phase technique, which allowed him to achieve exceptional distances.
• Sergey Bubka: Legendary Ukrainian pole vaulter, holder of the world record for 21 consecutive years. Bubka was known for his exceptionally strong pole hit and precise and timely release.
• Randy Barnes: Olympic champion and holder of the shot put world record for almost three decades. Barnes was famous for his strength and throwing technique, resulting in long-distance throws.

Detailed Summary

Key Points:

• Athletics, considered the 'mother of all sports disciplines,' consists of running, jumping, throwing, and shot put. Each component requires specific skills that must be developed and refined.

• The different techniques used in Athletics components play a crucial role in athletes' performance. For example, the explosive start and cruise speed are key terms in short and long-distance races, respectively.

• Understanding and mastering the key terms of Athletics, such as explosive start, cruise speed, attack phase, hit phase, and release, are extremely important in correctly executing techniques and achieving significant results.

• We studied the importance of iconic athletes like Usain Bolt, Mike Powell, Sergey Bubka, and Randy Barnes, who perfectly demonstrated Athletics techniques, proving that mastering these techniques can lead to remarkable achievements.

Conclusions:

• In-depth study of Athletics provides a detailed insight into the variety of physical skills required for sports practice.

• The context of Athletics, with its rich history and participation in the Olympic Games, further reinforces the importance of this sport in physical education and sports development.

Exercises:

1. Describe in your own words the difference between an explosive start and cruise speed and explain which one is more essential for a 100-meter sprint.

2. Choose one of the jumps (high jump, long jump, or pole vault) and detail the key phases and techniques necessary for correct execution.

3. Write a brief essay on the javelin throw, highlighting which aspects combine for a good performance in this throw and describe the ideal technique regarding the curve of the throw and the release at the right moment.