Technical changes in hurdle clearances at the beginning of 110m hurdle event – a pilot study

Practically in all hurdle studies, the analysis has been carried out over a single hurdle. The purpose of this study was to investigate individual differences in hurdle clearances at the first 4 hurdles. Two male athletes were videotaped and 3D analysis was carried out. Athlete A showed a more consistent pattern than athlete B in over a range of variables. Athlete A was also able to increase the mean horizontal velocity from hurdle to hurdle. From a coaching point of view the main issues for athlete A are to avoid drifting too close to the first hurdle and to try to take-off more aggressively forward. Subject A's lead leg worked very well before and after the hurdle. Subject B has most problems around the lead leg, i.e. it is not bent enough at the take-off and it is not working effectively at the landing contact.