Sprint Starts

A good sprint start helps a runner get off the mark quickly. Sprinters crouch low in the blocks, push hard with their legs and drive their arms forward. The first few steps are short and powerful before the body rises into a full running stride.

Starts are very important in short races, where a tiny gap can decide the winner. Coaches often practise starts with short bursts and use timers to see how quickly each runner reacts to the starting signal.