Editing Sprint (running) (section)

=== Starting blocks<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://coachingyoungathletes.com/2017/03/09/5-secrets-to-success-with-starting-blocks/|title=5 Secrets to Success with Starting Blocks|date=9 March 2017}}</ref> ===
Starting blocks are not a necessity but are highly suggested for use in sprinting events.  Starting blocks are a piece of equipment that typically consists of foot pads attached to a central rail.  The point of using blocks is to help the athlete push themselves further down the track as quickly as possible.

==== Typical block start set-up<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wensor|first=Darren|date=2017-03-09|title=5 Secrets to Success With Starting Blocks|url=https://coachingyoungathletes.com/2017/03/09/5-secrets-to-success-with-starting-blocks/|access-date=2021-07-27|website=Coaching Young Athletes|language=en}}</ref> ====

* Place heel slightly on the starting line
* Place the blocks in the center of the track, approximately where your toe is.
* The dominant foot will be in the front block. With the paddle being set at 45 degrees
* The front block will be about 1 {{frac|3|4}}-2 foot lengths from the starting line.
* The non-dominant foot will be in the back block.&nbsp; The paddle will be set as high as possible.
* The back block will be set about 3–3 {{frac|1|2}} foot lengths from the starting line.
* The front block and back block are only about 1 foot length apart.
* The toes should barely touch the ground. &nbsp;
* Hands will be placed about shoulder-width apart, with the thumb and pointer finger slightly behind the line.
* Arms should be in a straight position (locked or prepared to be locked at the elbows)
* The arms will remain straight (if not locked at the elbows)
* The hips will rise slightly above the shoulders (forcing the front half of the body to lean forward at about 45 degrees (slightly less)).
* A forward lean is optimal because it shifts most of the weight to the hands with a minimal bend to the back.
* The dominant leg should have about a 90-degree bend at the knee, while the non-dominant leg should be about 120 degrees
* The arm on the dominant foot side will swing forward in an "exaggerated" fashion, while the arm on the non-dominant side will swing backward in the same fashion
* The non-dominant foot will be the first step.
* The non-dominant leg should come out with a long (within comfort's range) stride, bringing the knee to a 90-degree position (separation of the foot and opposite leg's knee about 2–2 {{frac|1|2}} feet), approximately a 45-degree shin angle, and [[Anatomical terms of motion|dorsiflexion]] with each stride.
* Halfway before the first step lands, the "driving" position should have a straight line through the non-dominant ankle, knee, hips, shoulders, and head.