The Sprint Start Mechanics

[George Payan]

How do you teach the sprint start mechanics?

[George Payan]

Teaching and reinforcing sprinting mechanics must be an ongoing process if you hope to assist your athletes in acquiring sprinting mechanics. A coach must develop an eye for proper mechanics to correct your sprinters' errors.

"ON YOUR MARKS" POSITION

1. Walk from behind blocks past the start line
2. Place hands on track, back feet into blocks
3. Place one foot in rear pedal; other foot in front pedal
4. Hands are placed on the track behind the starting line
5. Create bridge with fingers parallel to start line
6. Align shoulders over hands
7. Knees inside of arms
8. Feet on pedals with contact on track
9. Head relaxed, eyes focused on track between hands
10. Remain motionless and relaxed
11. The starter will give you reasonable time to assume position

"SET" POSITION

1. The command "set" will be given clearly. Raise hips steady
2. Eyes focused on track, head in natural position (not up)
3. Remain motionless and relaxed

"THE STARTER WILL FIRE THE PISTOL" TO START THE RACE

1. Arm of power side drives forward
2. Long, fast first stride
3. Drives forward out of the blocks; not straight up to standing position