Sprint differs in what demands to gather the maximum speed in the short period. Here on the score each fraction of a second, any delay reduces chances to win. From the very beginning to provide high pace of the movement, sprinters use so-called low start.
What the effectiveness of low start at sprint is defined by
The start at sprinting lays the foundation for the most effective passing of the short distance. The athlete carries out dispersal already on the first steps. At the initial stage of run it is important to ensure advantage in speed.
Experienced sprinters allow a lot of time to working off of the initial phase of run, trying to obtain the fast convergence from the line of start.
At the beginning of track and field athletics the high start at which the corps of the athlete are located almost vertically became widespread. Sometimes various tricks were applied to increase in initial speed of run. For example, runners tried to lean on sticks or picked up small stones. Already in the ancient time athletes used for the emphasis at the time of start stone plates.
The low start was included into practice of sprinting only at the end of the 19th century. Today such technique is considered standard as its advantages are obvious. This type of start gives the chance at once to begin run at fast pace and on the short piece to gather the greatest possible speed. The effectiveness of low start is defined by the fact that at the time of the convergence from the starting line the center of gravity of the runner already is far ahead of the point of support. The correct setting of legs is of particular importance. Being at an acute angle to the track, legs of the sprinter provide the maximum force of take-off which at high start can't achieve at all desire.
Technology of low start
When using low start, so-called starting hacks which establish at different distance from the starting line are used. Basic platforms of hacks have so that they were inclined concerning the surface of the racetrack under the certain corner.
Correctly adjusted hacks optimum stretch gastrocnemius muscles that increases speed of take-off and force at the time of the breakaway.
Having received the signal of preparation for start, the sprinter establishes the foot on hacks, leaning at the same time on hands. At the same time the take-off foot is put on that hack which is located further from the line of start, and the swing leg – on near. After that the runner falls by the knee of the leg standing behind and puts hands along the line of start, having arranged thumbs inside. Optimum, if hands are located shoulder width apart. The trunk before start is straightened, the head is slightly inclined down. Having heard the team "Attention!", the sprinter slightly straightens legs, raises the basin and rests stupnyam against basic platforms of hacks, at the same time straining muscles of legs. The athlete holds the trunk directly, the eye is turned down. At the time of the starting shot the runner actively makes a start both legs, tears off from the track of the hand and sharply takes out the case forward, helping himself the movements of the bent hands. Such technique allows to leave from start with the maximum speed.