How to Set Up Starting Blocks

It is important to set up starting blocks correctly to optimize your performance in the first few seconds of a race. The purpose of starting blocks is to give sprinters a solid platform from which to launch their bodies forward when the starting gun fires. If they are set up incorrectly, the sprinter will not be able to explosively rise from the starting blocks. This can mean the difference between victory and defeat in a close race.

Things You'll Need

  • Hammer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine which of your legs is dominant. This is usually the leg that you prefer to use when you kick a ball. You will use your dominant leg to launch you from the starting blocks.

    • 2

      Place the knee of your dominant leg just behind the starting line. Curl the toes of your dominant leg under so that you are resting on your knee and the ball of your dominant foot. Mark on the track where the sole of your shoe is on your dominant foot.

    • 3

      Get up and measure one foot back of the mark you just made. This is where you will place the foot of your nondominant leg. Make a mark indicating the location of this spot as well.

    • 4

      Position the starting blocks to line up with your two marks. Hammer down the blocks so that they do not move, and lock down the foot holds to match your feet locations.

    • 5

      Test the positioning of the starting blocks. Place your dominant foot in first and make sure that your knee is still behind the starting line. Next, support your upper body with your fingers placed just behind the starting line and outside of your knees. Finally, place your nondominant foot in the rear block.

    • 6

      Try the starting blocks by doing a few starts. When you rise to the "set" position you should not feel like you are falling over or off balance. Push hard with your dominant foot as you start. The blocks should not move. If they do, start over again and lock them down more securely.