PaceSetter Book

Speed Activities 6

6.3 Sprinting Practices

WEB COPY ©EVEQUE

6.3.1 Standing Starts

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On the command ‘on your marks’ the young athlete approaches the start line and places one foot just behind the line with the other foot approximately 50 centimetres behind with both feet facing straight forward. It is usual that the front leg will be the strongest leg. The arms should be relaxed at the side of the body. On the command ‘set’, the young athlete bends both knees, places the weight over the front leg and rises to the ball of the back foot. The opposite arm to the front leg is then held forwards ready to drive backwards on ‘go’. The opposite hand may be placed on the front thigh above the knee to aid balance. On the command ‘go’ the young athlete must drive the front arm backwards and the back leg forwards, driving the foot to the ground as quickly as possible. The group can now observe each other at the start and they should notice that there is either a pause whilst the body weight is moved forward or, more likely, the young athlete takes a slight step back with the front foot. These actions take approximately half a second, which is potentially a loss of 3 metres in distance. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE

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