Coming out the Starting Blocks

Coming out of the starting blocks at the beginning of a track race is one thing that many new runners fear. They have been trained how to do it, but nevertheless, this is the first time they'll need to use the skills they've learned and apply it to a real-life situation. Many runners aren't completely sure what to do when coming out of the starting blocks, when to begin running, what foot to start off on and how hard to push off.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Starting blocks

1. 1

   Position your starting block so that it's comfortable for you, if possible. If not, position yourself to where you feel you'll get the best push off of that starting block. If you're not confident that you'll get a good push off, you could end up costing yourself the race. This is usually a system of trial and error, as each individual person is different.

2. 2

   Bend your back knee slightly and get into position. The first knee will be completely bent. This will be the knee that pushes you to take off when you're ready to race. You want to have your back straight and your shoulders back.

3. 3

   Touch the track. Touching the track with your fingers gives runners the best push off. This ensures that the back is straight and that the runner is in a good starting position. This slightly stimulates the runner's mind into fearing a fall without a good push off, and this often inspires the runner to get a good push off.

4. 4

   Push off with your front leg. Put all your weight on that leg. This will allow you to propel yourself forward and to better bring your back leg up to make first contact with that track. You'll only want to move that leg forward enough to be in front of your front leg and to steady yourself.

5. 5

   Take a large second step off the block. This is the step when you begin your actual run. You are now completely off the blocks and are beginning to race. This leg will come in front of your other leg now.