Coach ,

Five, Six, Seven, Eight … From the starting blocks to the first hurdle one can arguably say is the most important part of winning and losing a sprint hurdle race. 

Hurdlers are often referred to as the most versatile athletes on the track and often have a bit of a daredevil attitude. Being able to maximize both of these characteristics turn an average hurdler into an elite one. 

However, before you can run fast in the sprint hurdles, you must learn to establish 7-8 steps out of the blocks to the first hurdle, then 3-step the other nine.  

Whether you are a 12-year-old sprinting over 30-inch hurdles to 80 meters, or an Olympian sprinting over 42-inch hurdles to 110 meters, the race is absolutely the same.

The key to developing 3-steps between the hurdles is establishing a training plan for progressions as soon and as early as possible. Running and sprinting over the hurdles at an early age with only three steps at discounted or normal distance will ensure a faster time down the road. 

Here is a look at The University of Texas Head Coach, Edrick Floreal explaining the importance of the approach to the first hurdle and outlining the three steps associated between the hurdles.

Sprint Start and Approaching 1st Hurdle

The most important factor in generating speed off the hurdle and maintaining 3-steps is the lead arm. The lead arm dictates so much of what the other parts of the body do. Throughout the entire hurdle race, from the first step to the last, the lead arm never stops moving.

Keep perfecting your craft, 

The Coaches Clinic Community of Coaches Helping Coaches