hands

Expert Discussion Biomechanics and Physiology
1

Should the hands be open or closed? Also is it okay to let the hands hinge or flap on the backswing?

2

most of the time, it depends on the person, but I do like closed/relaxed hands. No flapping on the backswing.

3

if you feel comfortable with open hands ala carl lewis make sure the wrist stays in natural alignment with the fore-arm.flapping will cause the arm to open up more than the sufficent angles required.

should they be open/closed=depends on the individual,just make sure what ever you choose that you are tension free!!!

4

I like open hands I dislike closed hands.

5

open hands for me 2

6

Are there any world class 100m currently that sprint with closed hands? OR fisted hands? Just wondering?

7

I think open hands are better for acceleration. Once you’re up and running it’s just a question of the individual. I don’t really see how anyone can get a good feel of acceleration with their hands open. Something just feels lacking when I start with my hands closed. Even MJ who always runs with his hands closed, starts off with them closed when he has to do some hard acceleration. ie, his race against Bailey, and most of his 200m races. I think Ato is the same way. I know he doesn’t have his hands open for the whole race.

8

I have my hands open with the fingers curled a little bit (rather than stiff straight fingers). This is just what feels comfortable to me, having tried all the other styles.

The homophobics really love it when you let your hands flap around during the front and backswing. :sing:

9

I think the relaxed, thumb flat and facing the sky is the most favourable, but after watching Mark-Lewis Francis run he has tight fists! its personal preference at the end of the day

10

My hands flap. How would you guys cue an athlete to stop this? Concentrate on it during tempo first?

11

Pete recently I was doing short sprints and wanted to move my arms faster by moving my arms faster my hands started to flap,hands falpping doesn’t usually happen to me. I fixed the problem by standing up taller when my hands started to flap this allowed me to move my arms faster without my hands flapping. This worked for me mabye it will work for you.

12

Thanks terminator. So I guess I’ll work on hands and posture in tempo and concentrate on posture in speed work. Anyone else?

13

bump

14

Originally posted by Timothy Lane
Are there any world class 100m currently that sprint with closed hands? OR fisted hands? Just wondering?
I know that Flojo did and so did Evelyn Ashford. I dont know how Flojo did it with those long nails though.