Track Starts

For some of you, this blog could be old news and somewhat useless; but for others, I'm hoping this blog will provide some useful tips that can be applied toward the progress you make during track season as well as the progress in other sports.

History of Track and Field

The history of the Ancient Olympic Games was dated as far as 776 BC. This first recorded Track and Field event was in Olympia, Greece. This single event was a footrace of about 200 yards called the stade or stadion, from which the word "stadium" originated.

Starting form

This is the incorrect way to start out of the blocks, this is called the "rocket". Though it may work for others (mostly amateurs).

Reference to proper start:

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This example is the correct way to start out of the blocks as if you were going to fall over on your face.

Now that I have taken a few tips from the book "Track & Field" by Gabrielle Vanderhoof and the diagram shown I'll make sure to use it for the next blog as well.

Tips

Start with the dominant foot forward (you can find out which foot is dominant by standing and leaning forward until you fall, the foot that hits the ground first when you fall is your dominant foot).

Have dominant leg at 90-95 degrees.

Have non-dominant leg a foot behind the dominant leg.

Have fingers on the ground, not palms of hands.

Questions

How long have you guys been in track?

Do you have any other tips for coming out of the blocks?

Cited

Pictures cited: Track & Field By Gabrielle Vanderhoof