Start Doctor
Speed Training
In the sport of Track and Field, the start of a short sprint can set the table for success throughout the rest of the race. The top speed (max velocity) attained in the race is of the utmost importance, but the skill of executing and managing various aspects during the start and initial acceleration, not only impacts performance during the early portion of the race but also can put the athlete in position to maximize the quality and effectiveness of the top speed. In track and field, sprinters may significantly underachieve when they fail to skillfully utilize the starting blocks. There must be an effective teaching strategy because using starting blocks can provide quite a challenge for athletes of all stages of maturity and ability levels.
Please Understand
When starting and accelerating from a variety of positions there are various body positions, launch trajectories, angles, etc..., that the athlete must successfully manage, and do so explosively while utilizing good ranges of motion. Doing so from three- and four -point starting positions without blocks is one thing, but doing so with the legs having to load against and push off from starting block pedals is quite another. Additionally, the vast majority of starting blocks adjust down to 45 degrees for their least steep angle. Being in the ballpark of 45 degrees is generally accepted as a good thing, but a problem that exists is that loading the legs against pedals of 45 degrees and greater while trying to position to launch out of the blocks can present a significant bodyweight, "body positioning", and "body balance" challenge. Because of this, many are distracted from a focus upon being poised to properly explode outward into the race, and many bad habits can emanate from this.
Exciting New Product
I created a design for a starting block with two patents pending that not only adjusts down lower than any other starting blocks I found on the market, 20 degrees, but that also includes more adjustment options than the other blocks as well, eight different angles up to 60 degrees. Starting block pedal angles that are not as steep present less of a body weight management challenge, thus allows the athlete to better focus more on positioning to explode into the race. The athlete and coach can then decide when it is appropriate to utilize steeper angles, with the goal being to eventually progress to being able to start effectively utilizing angles in the ballpark of 45 degrees. My blocks are called Level One Starting Blocks (pictured to the left if on your desktop or laptop - pictured above if on your phone). For many developmental sprinters, some of the negative effects of the body weight management challenges I'm alluding to are demonstrated in this brief video, and this video shows the first learning drill I suggest using with Level One Blocks.
When Will Level One Blocks be Available?
The plan is for Level One Blocks to be available to the general public by this summer. If you want to be notified when and where you may get Level One Blocks, then add your email on the form toward the bottom of this page. Check the box and click on the "Subscribe" Button. If you want to consider me bringing Start Doctor Training to your area, then contact me at leveloneathletics@gmail.com.
Start Doctor Training
Even without the Level One Blocks being available yet, Start Doctor Training still utilizes the method of gradually moving sprinters from less steep pedal angles to steeper angles, using some blocks that are presently on the market. The Start Doctor Training Part One, Part Two, and Part Three videos summarize how this is done. Contact me at leveloneathletics@gmail.com if you want to consider me visiting your track practices and/or maybe even discussing a virtual training arrangement. I live in Lexington, South Carolina and I'm willing to drive in the neighborhood of 1 and 1/2 hours for a session. I am also available for speed training that is to be applied to a variety of sports. Contact me for the details.
My Blogs
Recognizing that it makes sense to utilize blocks set at lower angles to help promote good technique is a start, but of course, being thoroughly versed in what represents sound speed development and good technique is a necessity. That's where my blogs come in. Like most coaches that are serious about what they are doing, I learned most of what I know from others, and I give these people credit throughout my blogs. Most of the blogs are less than a 5-minute read. The exception is my The Start is Actually the First Three Steps blog, which is a 9-minute read. You can access the blogs using the "Blog" button at the top of this page, then click on each blog that you want to read. You will probably have to scroll down to the "Start is Three Steps" blog. If viewing this on your phone, click on the three lines in the search box at the top of the page, then click on "Blog". I welcome your comments, but I admit, this being a new site, I'm not sure how easy it is to post a comment. I plan to check and respond periodically. Probably best to email me at leveloneathletics@gmail.com for a quicker response.
NOW POSTED
Start Doctor Training
Some Fundamental Aspects of Sprinting
The Start is Actually the First Three Steps!
The Initial Acceleration Beyond the Start and Pre-Max Velocity
Rotational and Linear Aspects of Sprinting
Effective Recruitment and Coordination of Key Muscle Groups
Developing a Good Standing Start
The Three-Point and Four-Point Starts
Max Velocity (Top Speed) in a Short Sprint
Physical Development and Resistance Training for Sprinters
Sample Early Season Training for Your Sprint - Jump - Hurdle Groups
Running the 40-Yard Dash
Care for the Knees During Sports That Involve Jumping, Pivoting, and Cutting
Preparing athletes for Sports That Feature Starting, Stopping, and Changes of Direction
Applying Sprinting Skills and Speed to the Football Field
Speed Training and Basketball
Speed Training and Soccer
Contact me at leveloneathletics@gmail.com for other topics you would like me to address
