Q&A for How to Use Starting Blocks

It is not difficult to get used to. Initially, you may find it difficult to take off from the blocks, but regular practice will help. get used to it. It would definitely help for a coach to walk you through the basic techniques.

Usually, you measure with your feet. Put your toes on the starting line, then turn around opposite of the way you should be going. Then take two steps heal-to-toe. Your first starting block should be about that area. Take a third step and that's where your second starting block should be.

Yes, your toes should be in contact with the track, but not the ball of your feet or your heel.

No. You should breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth at a natural rate.

With blocks, your first two or three strides are probably longer than they are when not using blocks. Match your "with blocks" strides to your "without blocks" strides.

400m dash. Usually for any longer distance run, you jog until you hit the 100m point, so it's best to use a block for a sprint activity (100m , 200m , 300m & 400m).

They are used to gain more momentum and so you can get a faster start.

Use the same steps as you would on a block, but just do it on the track. This works best if you have spikes, but it will work either way.

When you hear the starting pistol fire, kick off the starting block and quickly raise your body while running at a fast pace.

Find a treadmill. Set it to the highest incline, and walk/jog on it for 30 minutes a day. You'll find yourself very tired, but it'll help.

What happens is you'll undoubtedly get a bad start and will have to make up for it during the race. So don't slip off. Practice using the blocks over and over.

You should practice a lot, because it will get easier the more that you practice. You can also ask the track coach or other adult that is involved with the track team at your school (or a gym teacher, even) to assist you with obtaining the correct form for running.

If you are not hurdling, then feel free to use whichever foot is the most comfortable.

Yes, you use the blocks in the 400.

You will need to train hard every day, and make sure you are staying hydrated. Also make sure that you are stretching properly so that you do not overuse and pull a muscle.

No. Breathe as hard as necessary to restore normal breathing.

It's normal to be nervous. Training hard is the best way to gain confidence. Don't train hard on the day before or the day of the tryouts.

My stronger leg is in the front but usually people say it should be in the back. One test that you should do is go up to the line and see what leg is in the front and in the back. And that's how I put myself in blocks. So when I go up to the line without blocks, my left leg is in the front, so for blocks my left is in the front and my right is in the back. And whatever leg feels more comfortable in the blocks, keep it that way.

When the race starts, push off with your front foot with as much power as possible and take off running. Practicing a strong start is essential to maintaining at the top of your game.

Do stretching exercises, especially leg stretching exercises. Thus, you will enhance your flexibility and you will be able to move faster and easier, which will improve also your running tempo.

It depends on your personal health, but as long as you are confident in the ability of your joints to bend down consistently, it should be fine. If not, you can try a staggered start (like in distance running), which will give you a boost but won't be as hard on your body.

Speed sprints, try running 200s so you can get your speed up and distance up. I would also work on form, and ladder workouts. Always push at the end of your workouts, you gain the most when you want to give up.

The blocks could only cause you to trip if you set them up improperly or if you did not know how to use them. Other than that, tripping would be caused by personal mistake.