-
Move without delay into the set position on the
starter's command. One does not want to be caught still
rising if the gun is quick.
-
Work on a quick and consistent reaction to the gun
by training for this aspect on a regular basis.
-
Establish your own race pattern prior to competing
in practices or meets. Competition is not a good environment
to learn sprint technique.
-
Be prepared to race in any of the lanes.
-
Learn to run your own race whether your competition
is next to you or several lanes away.
-
Train only to start upon the gun. Do not
attempt to gain an advantage by predicting the starter's cadence
of commands.
-
To that end, vary the starting command cadence
during training so as to not allow the athlete to assume a
standard time spent in the set position.
-
Always check that the blocks are still set to your
specifications and that they are securely anchored.
-
Always run through the finish line! Know the
location of the finish line. Dipping at the line should be
an action that is rehearsed, but used only when absolutely
necessary in competitions.
-
Never treat preliminary rounds of competition
lightly. Know beforehand what time or place is required in
order to qualify to the next round of competition.
-
Know at what times of day your biggest races
of the season will be run. Then mentally prepare in advance
for competition at those hours.
-
Systematically warm
up and cool down before and after every race.
-
Know the shoe requirements at every
competition's track. Be prepared with a wrench and extra
spikes.
