A Sensational Start

When we have athletes train at the gym, one area that we target is the start. A start is an important component of an athlete's running pattern.

In different sports there are different types of starts. A track runner uses a starting block in a number of events. Football players have a specific start position that they use for their freestyle 40 yard run. Soccer, tennis and field hockey player require their bodies to go from a resting position to a maximum speed it the shortest amount of time. Therefore, their starts are different from that of a track or football athlete.

A start consists of three elements: an explosive first step, technique and power.

For our football players, we hone the explosive first step and technique aspects of their 40 yard runs. Is the athlete utilizing their arms and shoulders properly? Are the legs coming up and going down as quickly as possible? How many steps are they taking before their body raises up?

With the athletes that need to go from a resting state to another point as quickly as possible, we zero in on their explosive first step and body misdirection control. How is the athlete pushing off with their lead foot? Does the athlete have a strong enough core to sustain their speed? Can the athlete adjust their body to sudden stops and turns?

Our goal is to help each athlete to understand the answers to the questions that we ask. It allows the athlete to develop each aspect of their start, and it helps them to learn their unique push-off and leg turnover characteristics. The end result is an athlete that can move efficiently and quickly to their desired destination with the immediate trigger of a sensational start!