I have a mechanical question I’ve been confused about for a while. What exactly should be the aim regarding hip height during early acceleration (first 10 or 20m.)? Does one try to accelerate with as much hip height as possible (without popping up) or does one not worry about hip position at this stage and you just focus on powering forward and worrying about getting the right hip position in later stages?
bump
The second part of your statement is correct.
Ok, hip height should not be a concern during early acceleration, but how about rhythm. Should a sprinter try to find the rhythm of his run during early acceleration or later in the race(maybe after comming to an upright position)? What should be the sensation of early acceleration?
I will make one qualification to what I said before. You don’t have to worry about hip height in this phase - so long as you don’t pop your head up, which would cause you hips to be forced down in reaction.
Thanks for the replies, now time to take this from the drawing board and begin to apply this on the track. I have a big mess in my acceleration phase that originated after a long spell of periostitis in which I couldn’t do speed work and much less accelerate properly because of the pain. Now I’m finally able to do speed work appropriately and I’m looking forward to correcting my disastrous acceleration phase. Given that I’ve established a respectable strength base there is no reason for me not to be able to accelerate well. Ie the last time we did speed work (May) I was doing 6.9 60’s, but could only do 4.1 40’s … if I can reduce the first 40 by .2-.3, which there is no reason why I shouldn’t with appropriate work I’ll be in business.