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I am 15 years old and have been running track for 4 years. I run sprints but do not have a powerful start out of the blocks. I set up the blocks one foot (size 13 shoe) from the line and put the forward pad one foot back; the back pad is a half-foot behind that. I am just over 6 feet tall (still growing), have long legs and am very strong from the waist down. Should I move my starting blocks back further? It feels like when I come out of the blocks I'm coming up more than out. I also feel like I'm "balled up" in the set position.

Move the starting blocks back. Put your heel to the front of the start line. Measure heel-toe which is approximately 2 times of your foot measurement. This is where you should set the front block. Take another heel-toe measure, approximately 3 of your foot measurement, which is where the rear block should be set.

This is a starting point for the front block from which you can make adjustments.

Coach Payan
www.CoachesEducation.com