Coach ,

The hurdle events are some of the most challenging to execute.

The smallest of errors, changes in timing, or conditions can drastically change the outcome of a race. It’s the little things in training that make a huge difference. 

Right now though it seems as if we are watching a golden age in the hurdle events. On the women’s side Sydney McLaughlin and Tobi Amusan smashed the world record in the 400IH and the 100H respectively. Both women boast impressive speed on flat races where they don’t have to worry about jumping over a barrier.

Does this mean speed is the ultimate factor for women’s success? How does speed affect men’s hurdles? 

Coach Kenny Anderson of Central Methodist University (MO) says the men’s and women’s races are the same but different. In this next clip Coach Anderson examines the major differences between the 100 and 110 hurdle events. 

Link: Same But Different

Feeling max velocity and what it feels like to run fast between the hurdles is a major key in Coach Anderson’s weekly plan with his female hurdlers. He uses changes in hurdle spacing and competitive situations to get his athletes to feel those speeds. Another secret is his use of assisted and resisted band activities. 

Link: 100M Hurdles

Overspeed training is fairly common in sprint training programs. It’s not something you see as often in the hurdle events. Coach Anderson uses overspeed training in his program to get his athletes to increase their rhythm in between hurdles which has led his athletes to new personal records. 

Link: Coach Kenny Special

Will we continue to see women’s hurdle performances be even faster? 

I guess it just depends on how much faster these two athletes can get in their open event. Speed is and will always be the most important factor in women's hurdle events.

Always be growing,

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