In the sport of Track and Field, the start of a short sprint can set the table for success throughout the rest of the race. The top speed (max velocity) attained in the race is of the utmost importance, but the skill of executing and managing various aspects during the start and initial acceleration, not only impacts performance during the early portion of the race but also can put the athlete in position to maximize the quality and effectiveness of the top speed. In track and field, sprinters may significantly underachieve when they fail to skillfully utilize the starting blocks. There must be an effective teaching strategy because using starting blocks can provide quite a challenge for athletes of all stages of maturity and ability levels. ​

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Validation

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For those that would like to question the importance that I'm placing on learning proper use of starting blocks and how difficult it is to teach, check out this brief video by Olympic Gold Medalist Maurice Greene. Greene is now a high school track coach. 

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Starting With Two Hands on the Track

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To effectively start with two hands on the track, in conjunction having the hips higher than the shoulders in the "Set" position, and pushing the feet toward the ground and/or block pedals, there should also be a degree of pushing the hands downward as part of the positioning and balancing of the body. Part of the starting action should be a "sweeping the ground" type of movement with the arms that coordinates with the "push off" of the feet when applying force. Strong arm action should continue during the initial "driving" portion of the sprint. Learning to coordinate these actions effectively without blocks can be challenging enough. Add to that, needing to load the legs against starting block pedals, it can present quite a test. Because of the body weight management challenge associated with loading the legs against angled pedals, often times the athlete is significantly distracted from the fundamental aspects I described above, ie, at the gun will just pick up the hands and perform some movements more centered around trying to gain balance than effectively getting the body up the track in good position. 

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Level One Starting Blocks

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The vast number of blocks on the market have 45 degrees as the lowest pedal angle choice. Having the front pedal at 45 degrees and the rear pedal at a slightly greater angle than 45 degrees is a great combination to work toward, provided that the athlete can effectively manage the bodyweight challenge I alluded to in the section above.  

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My Level One Starting Blocks feature pedal angles of 20, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 degrees. Beginning with the front pedal at 20 degrees and the rear pedal at 30-35 degrees, then gradually increasing the pedal angles can help the athletes to more easily adjust to the demands of loading the legs against starting block pedals and avoid these types of bad habits. The blocks should be available for purchase during the Fall. You may leave your email on the form below if you would like to be notified when Level One Blocks are available. Please check the little box and click "Subscribe".
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Who Am I

 

You can check out my brief Bio. More than anything, like most coaches, I learned most of what I know from others. I'm offering the blogs on this site as a resource for those that want to check them out. Those that would like my opinion on things, have questions about my blogs, want help with their athlete(s), etc..., may contact me at leveloneathletics@gmail.com.

 

Start Doctor Speed Training

 

I live in Lexington, South Carolina, and besides remote training being a possibility, I am willing to drive in the ballpark of 1 1/2 hours to a session. I welcome coaches and parents that would like for me to watch film of their athletes and communicate my opinions to them. For athletes that are on a team and/or have a trainer of some type, I believe it is important for everyone to be on the same page, so I will seek for there to be communication with the others before prescribing specific workouts.​​ "Speed Training" like anything else, puts particular stresses on the body, and recovery is an important consideration. For those that just want work on starts, I am available to come for 1-3 sessions to primarily focus on that. You may contact me with the email included in the section above.

 

My method addresses overall fitness at a variety of intensity levels. I also don't want an athlete to come to my Speed Training sessions out of shape, learn a few things that can improve speed, and then want to repetitiously zoom all over the court/field, while ignoring the fact that they are not in shape. Injuries happen that way. In addition, for sports other than track and field, the recognition should be that executing the fundamental aspects of those sports still should be primary, with the goal being to successfully incorporate the improved body control and speed into their game. I address this in my blogs.

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My Blogs

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I provide very detailed information in my blogs. For a look at my basic overall outlook, I would suggest first checking out my Fundamental Aspects and Start Doctor Training blogs. Otherwise, the list of my blogs is here. Again, don't forget to use the form below to be notified when Level One Blocks will be available. Thanks for your time.