Various track & field events are offered during the two
seasons. For athletes competing in
throwing events, the Indoor season incudes the weight throw and shot put. While
the Outdoor events are shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer throw.
Just as the events are different during the two seasons,
there are also significant differences in the environment and implements. An
indoor shot put is a metal ball wrapped in a plastic cover; it has a completely
different texture than the metal ball used in outdoor competitions. Athletes
also tend to use chalk for their shot put while throwing indoor which allows
them to have a better grip on the shot making it less likely to slip out of the
hand. The weight throw is performed by
imitating the same technique as the hammer but the implement is shorter, has a
bigger ball, and weighs more. The throwing rings are also different; indoor the
rings are usually a type of polished wood, while outdoor rings are made from
various types of concrete. Spinning or gliding in the shot put event while on a
polished wooden ring for the first time can be an experience worth watching.
The wood rings are considered “faster” rings providing for a better execution
of technique. The smoother the surface is in the ring, the “faster”. These factors alone can affect a throwers outcome.
If your school
doesn't have an indoor facility to practice in then the first time an athlete
is in the new ring can be interesting. The good news is that as throwers we are
used to adjusting to different surfaces (rings), so it shouldn't affect the
athlete too much once they get in a few glides or spins. Tarleton State
University Track & Field just recently received the great news that next
year they will be competing in both Indoor and Outdoor seasons for the Lone
Star Conference. Wish us luck; come out and support our teams in both Indoor
and Outdoor venues!
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| Indoor Shot Put |
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| Indoor Weight Throw |
As a track guy, I appreciate this blog. Although indoor track can be rough at times, I like the fact that we can judge our fitness levels early in the year. I like the fact that there are different events in the indoor season to give the athletes an "off" distance or field event. Admittedly, I did not know that the throwing rings were different from the outdoor rings.
ReplyDeleteI believe this article is great for those who aren't too knowledgeable in the sport of track and field. I also believe this article places a great importance on how big of an impact an indoor season can make on the athletes. The indoor season allows athletes for a chance to judge their fitness as well as giving them more opportunities for competing on the national stage.