PaceSetter Book

Sustained Activities 7

7.3.3 The Trunk The back and abdominal muscles must be strong as there is considerable involvement of these groups in maintaining a solid, erect posture. The back must be straight but remain relaxed to ensure tension is not created in the body and to ensure maximum efficiency in the technique. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE 7.3.4 The Hips

The hips should be swung well forward to enhance the stride length but at the same time the hips should simulate a wave-like motion reaching a high point when the supporting leg is straightened in the vertical position and a low point during the recovery when it passes the straightened leg. This helps to avoid total rise and fall of the body, therefore keeping the centre of gravity fairly constant. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE 7.3.5 The Shoulders and Arms

A powerful arm action should be used to drive the body and legs forward. The action is over a wide range and the elbows should be maintained as near as possible to the body at 90º flexion. The elbow should be pulled high behind the body and the arms should swing across in front of the body. Shoulders should be kept square to the direction of the movement.

140