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TRACK AND FIELD EQUIPMENT - THINGS WORTH BUYING
2023-08-22
Track and field is definitely the queen of sports. The disciplines they comprise are based on natural human movement and help build overall fitness. Therefore, every school should have appropriate track-and-field equipment. What equipment should be bought? What should you look for when choosing track-and-field equipment?
WHAT DISCIPLINES DOES TRACK AND FIELD INCLUDE?
Basic track-and-field competitions have their origins in the behavior of ancient humans. They were naturally cultivated and trained by man, who had to run, jump over terrain obstacles, and throw a javelin or stones. Over time, competition in this area became a form of entertainment, so now track-and-field competitions gather a large audience. Track-and-field competitions include:
• running on various distances (including running over hurdles and relay races);
• race walking;
• javelin, hammer, and discus throws, and shot put;
• jumps: high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault; and
• all-round events: quadrathlon, pentathlon, heptathlon, and decathlon.
Polish athletes are often successful in track-and-field events, and when asked about the beginning of their passion, they usually point to their school years. That is why properly equipping educational institutions with track-and-field equipment is so important.
TRACK-AND-FIELD EQUIPMENT - WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Track and field does not require the use of very complicated or expensive equipment, although it must, of course, be properly made and comply with the standards for the specific discipline. Track-and-field equipment includes:
• crossbars - for example, for the high jump or pole vaulting;
• stands for crossbars - with appropriate dimensions and stability, with the ability to adjust the height at which the crossbar is placed;
• hurdles for runs - solid and lightweight;
• javelins - with weight and design matching the capabilities of athletes of specific age;
• balls - for shot put: steel for professionals and covered with a plastic outer layer for practice;
• discs - with dimensions and weight appropriate for the age and capabilities of the athlete;
• athletic hammers - for the hammer throw, with dimensions and weight appropriate for the age and capabilities of the athlete;
• starting blocks - indispensable during competitions and running practice;
• sports mattresses and mats to cushion landing, e.g. in the high jump and pole vaulting.
It is a good idea to equip a school gymnasium or stadium with all these accessories. How should you select them? What should you look out for? Here is our explanation!
HOW SHOULD YOU CHOOSE EQUIPMENT FOR TRACK AND FIELD?
What should you look for when buying athletics equipment? The features you should pay attention to depend largely on the discipline.
• Crossbars for the high jump or pole vaulting must, most importantly, be resistant to mechanical damage. It is also very important that they are lightweight. This is because weight affects the comfort and safety of the athletes. Fiberglass crossbars are most commonly used.
• Crossbar stands must, most importantly, be stable. Therefore, in this case, the design of the base is very important. Professional high jump or pole vaulting equipment must also give the ability to mount the crossbar at different heights. Therefore, accurate height markings and adjustable brackets are needed.
• Without proper equipment, hurdle running is impossible either. Practice hurdles are often foldable and therefore easy to transport. However, during competitions, professional hurdles are used, characterized by a very sturdy construction and adjustable height.
• The organization of runs also requires the use of starting blocks. A practice starting block can be very simple and made of rubber - such an option will work well for undemanding training. However, during higher-level practice and competitions, galvanized steel blocks with adjustable supports should be used.
• The put shot and disc, hammer, and javelin throw require selecting the correct weight and size of the equipment. The quality of the materials used is also very important. Puts are made of steel, often with plastic coating. Disks, on the other hand, should be made of galvanized metal and plastic with an admixture of fiberglass. Practice javelins should have aluminum shafts and rubber tips, as well as cotton cord grips. Essential equipment also includes a training cage or circle for the hammer throw or put shot.
• Mats provide a soft surface to cushion the landing in the high jump or pole vault. They must be thick enough - usually at least 40 cm thick. They are also made of special plastics that provide adequate cushioning when landing. In addition, mat wearsheets are used. They serve to protect the mat while providing its stability.
Regardless of the discipline, care should be taken to match the parameters of the track-and-field equipment to the needs and capabilities of the athletes. In many cases, equipment for children differs from that used by adults. You should also always choose equipment from reputable suppliers. If you are looking for track-and-field equipment, be sure to check out Sport-Transfer’s offer. We have everything you need!
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