Kids Sports Track and Field: Glossary and Terms

• Baton - a tube that is passed from one relay race member to another. The runner holding the baton is the current runner for that team in the race. They are typically about 1 foot long and 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Decathlon - a combined track and field event that consists of 10 different events. Sometimes the decathlon winner is dubbed the greatest athlete in the world.
• Discus - a throwing event in track and field where a metal discus is thrown for distance.
• Fosbury Flop - a technique used in the high jump where the jumper's goes head first over the bar with their back toward the bar when going over it.
• Hammer - the hammer throw is a track an field throwing event where a large heavy ball connected to a handle with a long chain is thrown for distance.
• Heptathlon - a combined track and field event that consists of 7 different events.
• High Jump - a track and field jumping event. Athletes must clear a high bar without knocking it over by jumping.
• Hurdle - an obstacle in a race that runners must jump or clear while running.
• Javelin - a track and field throwing event where a spear-like javelin is thrown for distance.
• Long Jump - jumping event where athletes compete for the longest jump in distance.
• Pace - the rate at which a runner is running. It's important in long distance races to have the proper pace; slow enough so the runner doesn't tire out before the end of the race, but fast enough to win.
• Pentathlon - a combined track and field event that consists of 5 different events.
• Pole vault - a track and field jumping event where a long pole is used to propel the jumper to great heights.
• Relay race - a race involving multiple runners (typically 4) where each runner runs a leg of the race handing off a baton to the next runner.
• Sandpit - an area in a jumping event (i.e. long jump or triple jump) where the athlete lands.
• Shot put - a field throwing event where a heavy ball is thrown for distance.
• Sprint- a short running race where acceleration and top speed are important.
• Starting blocks - items used in sprint races where the runner puts their feet in to get a good start for the run.
• Steeplechase - a middle to long distance run with obstacles including large hurdles and water.
• Triple Jump - a track and field jumping event with three distinct phases to the jump including a hop, a step, and a jump.

Running Events
Jumping Events
Throwing Events
Track and Field Glossary and Terms

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