Your body position in the blocks and your first step, set up how well you can accelerate coming out of the blocks.
- Front pedal is 2 shoe lengths from the start line
- Back pedal is 3 shoe lengths from the start line
- Back your feet into the blocks
- On set:
- Butt goes up slowly and stops above the shoulder level
- Front knee angle is at 90 degrees
- Shins are parallel
Straight lines are key when you come out of the blocks. You should be able to draw a straight line from your head down the spine and through the leg.
Justin Gatlin Block Start
- Justin Gatlin gets FULL extension from his front leg in the blocks.
- His shins remain PARALLEL to one another on set.
- His heels stay low. NO butt kickers.
- His right arm punches up.
- His left arm sweeps straight back.
Asafa Powell Block Start
- Notice the aggressiveness of his arm swing.
- His front toe is the last thing to leave the blocks.
- He gets everything out of the blocks and does not rush putting his foot down on track.
- Look how far his first step is out from the blocks. FULL EXTENSION
Credits:
Created with images by Skitterphoto - "lightening purple sky"