1. Key Concepts:
Starts and Maximum Velocity Running

2. Sprint Start from Blocks:
Block Spacing.
Front block: 2 to 2 ½ foot lengths from start line
Back block: 1 to 1 ½ foot lengths from front block
Block Angle.
Front block: 45 degrees
Back block: As low as blocks allow (in most cases)

3. Sprint Start from Blocks: “on your marks, set….”
Hand Spacing:
Thumbs directly under shoulders
Body position:
Flat back, head in line with spine
Foot position:
Front foot: toes on the track
Back foot: where possible toes off track, heel pressed into the block
“Set”:
Hips higher than shoulders
Head in line with spine
Both feet pressed into blocks

4. Sprint Start from Blocks: “GO!….”
Long “aggressive” arms
Body position:
45 degrees: head, body and back leg in “power line” position
Foot position:
Dorsi-flexed (spikes pointing straight down)
Heel Recovery low, piston action of legs, “driving back”.

5. Maximum Velocity Running
Upright torso
Dorsi-flexed foot stepping over knee

6. Coaching cues Drive Phase “Foot over the ankle.”
Transition “Foot over the grounded calf”
Max velocity “Foot over grounded knee”
Max Velocity mechanics
stress upright Torso
no anterior tilt of pelvis- “ pelvis is a bucket of water”