PaceSetter Book

Speed Activities 6

6.3.2 Crouch Starts On the command ‘on your marks’ the young athlete approaches the start line and measures for a crouch start. A very simple way for a young athlete to measure the distance from the start line for a crouch start is as follows, assuming the left leg is the stronger: • Kneel with both knees at the start line • Move the knee of the right leg in line with the toe of the left leg • Lift the left knee off the ground; left foot, right knee and right foot all remain in contact with the ground • Place hands behind start line, with fingers pointing outwards and thumbs pointing inwards about shoulder width apart However, there is a more accurate way of measuring the distance from the start line for a crouch start that can be taught to young athletes as they progress. The measurement is performed in the following way, assuming the left leg is the stronger: 1) place the left foot to the line 2) the right foot is then placed behind the heel of the left foot to make an ‘L’ shape 3) the left foot is then placed behind the heel of the right foot 4) the right foot is then placed approximately 50 centimetres behind the left foot, a small distance apart, with both feet facing straight forward 5) both knees are then bent with the knee of the right leg touching the ground directly opposite the toes of the left foot and about a fist width apart 6) the hands are then placed behind the start line, slightly more than shoulder width apart 7) the fingers point outwards and the thumb inwards to form a bridge to complete the ‘on your marks’ position. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE WEB COPY ©EVEQUE

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