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Is the use of starting blocks beneficial? Why or why not, and under what circumstances?
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Is the use of starting blocks beneficial? Why or why not, and under what circumstances?
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Rashid Derricks
Ballard High School
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It is very beneficial for sprinters to use starting blocks in any event 200 meters or less. It helps them get into position to use their explosive power and get into the "drive" phase of their race quickly. In more elite athletes, any event from 400 meters or less should be started from blocks.
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Matt Girardin
Fern Creek High School
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Absolutely they are beneficial. In the sprint events—the 100, 200 and 400--they are really necessary. With starting blocks the athletes not only get a quick start, but the cadence and the rhythm of the race are dictated by how they leave the blocks. I look at it as preparing kids for doing their best in high school, and for higher level athletes, to compete well in college.
The start is an important part that leads into the different parts of the race. The actual blocks are only 10 percent of any sprint race, but every tenth or two is important and blocks are a catalyst to get help you get to that improvement.
A lot of programs and teams overemphasize the importance of the starting blocks. The most important part of the start is understanding the mechanics. We only work with blocks once a week, but every single day we are working on mechanics of the start.
Starting blocks help achieve maximum effort, but more important is having athlete understand good start technique.
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Chuck Medley
St. Xavier High School
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I believe starting blocks should be used in all races from the 400 on down. It is a skill that will result in faster races, cut down on false starts and get the athlete ready for the next level.
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Jason Nuess
Male High School
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In races 400M and below it is now required that athletes use starting blocks. Using starting blocks helps the athlete get into and extend their drive phase in the early part of the race. It is beneficial for athletes to use them in all races 400M and down if they use them correctly. If beginning athletes do not have the leg strength to drive out, they may be better off coming out of a two or three point stance in order to get the movement down properly.
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