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 standing, 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.
Start Doctor Training in a Nutshell
These Part One, Part Two, and Part Three videos summarize the Start Doctor Training for Starting Blocks method, and this video introduces a starting block I designed that has two patents pending, that I believe makes it a lot easier to transition sprinters into using blocks properly, while minimizing the tendency to develop bad habits. The plan is for these Level One Blocks to be available to the general public by the later part of the 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. Even without Level One Blocks, my Start Doctor Training methods can be used with blocks already on the market as the videos above alluded to. For a limited time, the Start Doctor Promo Codes button below will direct you to opportunities to save money on equipment, software, etc..., that I like.
A Very Important Consideration
The following quote is from a sprint course I took from Altis:
"Of note, it has been very interesting for us to collect data on athletes executing relay starts, hanging starts, and 3 point starts by sprinters of all skill levels, genders, ages, under pressure, and in solo attempts, etc. Our findings reveal that when using these methods, a majority execute better in terms of velocities, acceleration curves, kinematic landmarks, and kinetic data points. Perhaps we should study how they run fast from those positions, and somehow transfer those lever positions, angles, balance points, and weight distributions over to the blocks?"
"Start Doctor Training" is based upon exactly what was said in the previous sentence. At each learning step the primary focus is on positioning and coordinating movements that lead to very effective and efficient force applications and movement up the track. Very importantly, in my training program, assessments are used to validate my methods. I regularly make use of my DartFish Express video analysis app to film my athletes, but I'm also high on learning to utilize a higher level of analysis afforded by my Vue Motion subscription.
For those that would like my help with their athlete(s), I'm fine with looking at film for no charge, and I would decide whether or not I believe some sessions with me would be helpful. Regardless, I would give some type of response about what I saw. I live in Lexington, South Carolina, and besides virtual training being a possibility, I am willing to drive in the ballpark of 1 1/2 hours to a session. I may be contacted at leveloneathletics@gmail.com.
My Blogs
Recognizing that it makes sense to utilize blocks set at lower angles to help promote good technique is a beginning, 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. I also plan to regularly add links to blogs and podcasts from various speed training experts to my blog page.
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
Max Velocity (Top Speed) in a Short Sprint
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
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
