Aspiring to join the Indian Air Force through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) requires not only mental acuity but also a well-rounded knowledge of various facets, including sports. Physical fitness is a crucial aspect of a military career, and understanding sports terminology is essential for AFCAT aspirants. In this guide, we’ll explore key sports and their terminology to help you navigate this aspect of the examination with confidence.
Sports & Games Terminology
- Athletics:
- Sprints: Short-distance races, typically 100m, 200m, and 400m.
- Middle-distance/Long-distance: Races covering distances beyond 800m, including events like 1500m and 5000m.
- Hurdles: Races where athletes must jump over barriers at set intervals.
- Cricket:
- Innings: Each team’s turn to bat and bowl.
- Wickets: The three stumps and two bails that the bowler aims to hit to dismiss a batsman.
- Runs: Points scored by the batsmen through various shots.
- Football:
- Goal: The scoring area, defended by the goalkeeper.
- Penalty Kick: Awarded after a foul inside the penalty area, a one-on-one attempt between the striker and the goalkeeper.
- Offside: A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them.
- Hockey:
- Dribbling: Skillful control of the ball while running.
- Penalty Corner: A set-piece awarded to the attacking team after a defensive foul inside the shooting circle.
- Field Goal: A goal scored from open play.
- Basketball:
- Free Throw: An uncontested shot awarded after certain fouls.
- Dunk: A high-velocity shot where a player forcefully scores by putting the ball through the basket with one or both hands.
- Fast Break: A rapid offensive play after a defensive turnover.
- Boxing:
- Jab: A quick, straight punch with the lead hand.
- Knockout (KO): When a boxer is unable to rise from the canvas within a specified time after being knocked down.
- Round: The three-minute intervals during which a boxing match is contested.
- Volleyball:
- Serve: The act of putting the ball into play.
- Spike: A powerful, downward hit into the opponent’s court.
- Block: A defensive move at the net to stop the ball from crossing.
- Glossary of General Terms:
- Referee: The official who enforces the rules during a game.
- Captain: The designated leader of a team.
- Substitution: Replacing one player with another during a game.
Conclusion: A sound knowledge of sports terminology is not only beneficial for AFCAT aspirants but also contributes to overall physical fitness and mental sharpness. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll be better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, both in the AFCAT examination and in your future military career. So, lace up your sports shoes, hit the ground running, and aim for success on all fronts!
