Influence of Various Track Starting Positions on Speed

Abstract The purpose of this study was to analyze running speed resulting from four different sprint starting positions by comparing starting methods and speed for 20 yds., 50 yds. and between 20 yds. and 50 yds. For this study a photoelectric cell timer, recording to 1/1,000 sec. was developed. Four starts were employed, the bunch, medium, medium high hip, and elongated. Kinesiological examination revealed that the medium and medium high hip positions would result in a more forceful thrust against the front block while the bunch and elongated starts would allow for a quicker pulling away from the rear block. The bunch and medium high high starts accounted for the fastest time at 20 yds., the medium high hip at 50 yds. and the thrust starts, medium starts, and medium high hip starts between 20 and 50 yds. All results were significant at the .01 level of confidence.