Teaching Kids How to Use Starting Blocks in Sprinting

There are many technical aspects that need to be mastered in order to become a successful sprinter. This can become overwhelming to both coaches trying to explain these to sprinters and athletes trying to learn how to sprint properly. Using starting blocks is just one example of something that needs to be mastered in order to maximize the efficiency and realize the potential of a sprinter.

Things You'll Need

  • Starting blocks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine which leg is the sprinter's dominant leg. This can be determined by figuring out which leg the athlete uses to catch himself when he loses his balance forwards or backwards. You can also determine which leg is dominant by finding out the leg with which she kicks a ball.

    • 2

      Determine the placement of the feet. Have the athlete place both knees directly behind the start line and the knees bent to 90 degrees. The sprinter should be on all fours with the body extended in front of the start line. Mark the place under the dominant foot, this will be where the front pedal will be placed. Place the rear pedal about one foot behind the front pedal.

    • 3

      Listen for the calls. When On your marks is called place the front foot in the pedal first then place the rear foot in the pedal. The rear knee should be resting on the ground, and the hands are placed on the ground behind the start line with weight resting on the fingertips.

    • 4

      Listen for the set call. On the set call the knee should be raised of the ground with the athletes front knee at about 90 degrees and the rear knee at 120 degrees. The hips should be higher than the shoulders.

    • 5

      Drive straight out of the blocks. The push with the front foot should be longer than the push with the rear foot.