Blocks and Starts
The launching pad
Results from the IHSA State Meet
The launching pad
FRONT PEDAL: 2 STEPS from the start of the line, heel to toe
BACK PEDAL: 3 STEPS + 4 fingers width OR one more step from start of first block + 4 fingers width
FRONT FOOT: Toe hitting the track and PEDAL should be at a slight incline
BACK FOOT: Toe hitting the track and PEDAL should be at a higher incline
BODY: Back into the blocks from the front, like pushing down a toy with a spring
LEGS: Once backed into the blocks, REAR leg should kneel; shin of FRONT foot should be parallel to the ground; thigh of back leg perpendicular to ground
ARMS/FINGERS: Hands just behind starting line, WIDER than shoulder width apart. Fingers together with thumb apart, making the "Bridge"
SHOULDERS: Hands are placed under the shoulders , with shoulders slightly over the hands
HEAD: Sprinter looks down, with back of head and the spine straight in alignment with each other
EYES: Focused on the GROUND below
STARTER: Says "SET": Runner RISES up, slowly
HIPS: Rise higher than shoulders, slightly
BODY-WEIGHT: Goes forward over the shoulders
ARMS: Straightened with hands, supporting the runner's weight
FEET: Like a coiled spring having power ready to be unleashed, tips of toes touching the track
ANGLES: FRONT Knee (90-100 degrees)
ANGLES: BACK Knee (120-135 degrees) *depends on strength
Aim for 45 degrees