Req 5 — Athletic Options Overview
This is the hands-on core of the Athletics merit badge. You will choose four of the nine options below, perform the activities in each one, and demonstrate measurable improvement over three months. This is where your training program from Requirement 3 pays off.
How This Works
- Pick four options from the list below. Choose activities that interest you and that you have access to practice.
- Record your starting benchmarks for each option at the beginning of your three-month period.
- Train consistently using the program you built in Requirement 3.
- Record your ending benchmarks after three months to show improvement.
You do not need to be the fastest or strongest — you need to show that you got better. Your counselor wants to see effort, consistency, and growth.
Your Nine Options
Click on any option below to learn more about the activities, techniques, and tips for that category.
Option A — Sprinting 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash.
Option B — Long-Distance Running 3K run and 5K run.
Option C — Long Jump or High Jump Running and standing versions of the long jump or high jump.
Option D — Swimming 100-meter swim and 200-meter swim.
Option E — Pull-Ups & Push-Ups Pull-ups in two minutes and push-ups in two minutes.
Option F — Baseball Throw Throws for accuracy and distance.
Option G — Basketball Shooting Free throws and shots from multiple positions around the key.
Option H — Football or Soccer Kick Goal kicks for accuracy and kicks for distance.
Option I — Weight Training Chest/bench press and leg curls.
Tracking Your Improvement
Use the Athletics Training Log to record your benchmarks and progress for each option. At minimum, record:
- Starting values (times, distances, reps) at the beginning of the three-month period
- Ending values after three months
- The change — this is the improvement your counselor wants to see