PJ - Was Ralph Mann selling copies of his Sprint Mechanics manual? I picked up a copy from a USATF conference in 2008 in Las Vegas that included new data on block starts. Just wanted to see if there were any updates.
I videotaped that presentation. I just have to find it.
So which is it with the lower leg?
Regarding Mann and block starts, I heard he is now recommending a set position, foot placement on the blocks, etc very similar to Asafa Powells set position.
Yes, he was selling a 2010 version, published by UKA, though i don’t know what would be the difference with the former version.
Regarding the lower leg: Japanese studies which include analysis during WC’07 shows that the fastest sprinters have a bigger angle (same as 2010 Mann finding). Why Mann changed his mind?
Regarding block starts, can you expland mor on what has changed regarding block position? The section of the 1985 book i have only deals with max velocity phase.
I was told this from someone who took notes at his seminar in 2008. I don’t have any of his books.
That he is recommending feet high up on blocks (like Asafa does) for greater stretch reflex and for front pedal to be roughly 45 deg and rear pedal higher, also like Asafa.
So the foot is not getting as close to the glute these days?
What do you think is the reason behind that?
He didn’t talk about foot placement on the blocks and i find nothing in the book on that topic. I guess 99% use about 45° for front block and higher for rear block, this is not specific to Asafa. As for feet high up on blocks, well i’m not sure it is for greater stretch reflex as Asafa uses the same placement wether the block pads are short or very long (like it was in golden leagues). I guess it has more to do with the drag foot he uses before the landing of the first step out of the blocks.
Or Maybe Mann has changed his methodology or he has more top sprinters in his database?
Any impact on program design as a result of attending this seminar?
Yes the notes say he was just pointing out what he felt was the best method. I was noting the Asafa connections to some of it.
Maybe. I think the toe drag is a consequence of a long an full extension from the blocks. I was also thinking him being so high on the blocks gives a lower departure angle.
He perches the arch of his rear foot up high on the blocks as does Nesta Carter. I have tried that and like the way it feels better than having my foot lower down omn the pedals.
PJ, Did you attend Kevin Tyler’s talk? I’m curious what he had to say. If I’m not mistaken Tyler was coached by Charlie in the late 80’s?
He is certainly getting results. From what I’ve seen of his program, he is doing S-L with his 200 and 400m runners.
double post
I was there as well actually, I just quickly kicked off the thread, still putting my written notes into order so will contribute soon. If I had known you were there as well PJ I would have introduced myself. Regarding Tyler’s talk he was advocating S-L unlike the UK coaches. I will be more in depth next time I post.
There was about 10 forum members out there + the ones i don’t know!
@macsprint
Indeed Kevin used S to L, the reasoning behind is that in Vancouver it’s very cold outside and the only facilities they had was a 100m hall (no question to use the small and tight indoor curve) and that the main priority is to develop a speed reserve.
He was in Edmonton where they have an indoor 200m flat track (no bank) with about 100m from wall to wall to run 60 to 80m. If they did any running around the oval, it was very easy on the corners with higher speed runs on the straightaways (for Special Endurance work).
http://caltaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/imgp3050.jpg
When Kevin did coach in Vancouver (not nearly as cold but still rainy and cool in the winter), he was implementing speed work over 30-40m in hallways (much like I have done in the past). The Edmonton circumstances were much better than the Vancouveri situation, but definitely far from idea.
He was in Edmonton where they have an indoor 200m flat track (no bank) with about 100m from wall to wall to run 60 to 80m. If they did any running around the oval, it was very easy on the corners with higher speed runs on the straightaways (for Special Endurance work).
http://caltaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/imgp3050.jpg
When Kevin did coach in Vancouver (not nearly as cold but still rainy and cool in the winter), he was implementing speed work over 30-40m in hallways (much like I have done in the past). The Edmonton circumstances were much better than the Vancouver situation, but definitely far from ideal.
Thanks for your response Pj and No. 1. Your answers lead me to the question. Is the Canadian climate particularly suited to a S-L coaching philosophy? (Do the conditions you live in determine the most effective training schedule) I find this interesting. If Charlie coached in a warmer climate would he have developed the came S-L theories or would he have followed a L-S program which is still popular today?
Thanks for the clarification.
Sorry, I meant numbertwo not No.1 haha.
Back in my track days I worked out in both of the facilities under discussion. I still have to shake my head that I spent most of my indoor training “building my base” by running tempo at over 80% around tight corners. I wonder why I was injured all the time?
In Angella’s book she describes her training as more L-S and even discusses how Ben was pretty much the only one who could handle all of the short work and power work.
I will look back over it and see what it says for sure.
