Sustained Activities
7
Walking can be lots of fun and is particularly suitable if introduced to young athletes as a game as it
enables large numbers to take part in a simple sustained activity. It is recommended that only the
basic concept of walking is introduced to the under 13 age group and therefore the initial emphasis
should be on walking in a straight line and maintaining unbroken contact with the ground.
The basic requirement is that one foot must be in contact with the ground at all times.
The technique adopted is one in which the walker strikes the ground on each step with the heel
of the forward foot and the leg straight, pushing on that foot through to the toe to increase stride
length and driving forward.
7.3.1 The Feet
Emphasis must be on placing the inside of the heel on the ground and walking with the inside edge
of the shoe along the line of progression. For this practice the lane marking lines on a track are very
useful. The whole foot must be brought into action and the walker must feel that he or she is
pushing off the ball and toes of one foot onto the heel of the other.
7.3.2 The Knees
The knee needs to be straightened vigorously as the leg passes under the hips to push off onto the
other foot. The general impression here is of an extension at the hip, knee and ankle with a push off
the ball and toes of the foot.
7.3 Race Walking
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