Unlike other sports where speed is just one of the components, in track sprinting is the main thing that you do consistently. In rack it is crucial that before a race you start in blocks. Blocks are used in track to hold the athletes feet at the start of a race so the athlete can push of and accelerate at a faster rate. Blocks can increase your time by 1/10th of a second. One tenth of a second might not seem like a lot, but when it comes to your time it can determine of you were 1st or 2nd in the race.
"Block clearance is the first component of the acceleration phase. in the response to the starter's pistol, athletes must clear the blocks to begin their acceleration. When in set position, an athlete's front knee should at least be 90 degrees, and rear knee angle should be at least 120 degrees."(187, Jeffreys)
If you were a track runner would you consider using blocks?
Jeffreys, Ian. Developing Speed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2013. Print.
I completely agree that speed is everything in most sports. Even the littlest thing can make a huge difference on your end time. If I was a track runner and I was really into the sport, then I most likely would use blocks because it would be the most beneficial to me during the race.
ReplyDeleteIs there any downside to using blocks? Do you use blocks and have you seen them positively affect your racing abilities?
The downside to using blocks is that you can easily trip when you push off of them at the start of the race. Or while using blocks your reaction can be delayed and you can start later than everyone else. I use blocks before every race I do. Blocks have definitely helped me a lot and blocks help with me accelerating faster.
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