how can one decide whether they should use a start where the feet positioning are almost parallel or staggered?
ive heard that it depends on how you would jump for height from a running start. is this true or should time comparisons be made at short distances (10-20meters) and comfort be bigger factors (although one can overcome being uncomfortable in a new position through repitition).
ill never use blocks (im not a sprinter but rather a football player) but the start is everything for the short distances (10,20,40 yards) that we are tested on.
Parallel, are you going to hit someone from a three-point stance or try and hit a fast 40 time. “Jump for height from a running start” im not following you here. Are you talking about leaving from a standing start, running start, or block start? Then we can begin to answer your question.
Also,
Charlie posted this earlier in the year
I wouldn’t recommend an attempt to jump out of the blocks. -Concentrate on the arms and let the legs take care of themselves.
usually my starting position is my left foot forward and right hand down on the ground. when i say parallel im talking about having my feet parallel to the starting line and both hands on the ground.
remember im a football player and im asking about deciding the optimal starting postion for me personally( we dont use blocks for timed sprints).
when i mean a running vertical jump- for example if i was trying to jump and touch the rim of a basketball hoop from a running start, i jump off of two feet rather than one, so does that mean that i should use “parallel feet” starting position?
i wouldnt be “jumping off my feet” from the starting position, my feet and arm sequence would be the same i realize, but would my initial leg drive be more powerful if i were to not stagger my feet position?
i hope this explains my question.
Most football players are strength dominant, so I would guess that the jump off two feet would be better for them to use their strength. (I know it is for me!)
However, I think that your start stance on the field is less dependent on what gets you going in a straight line the fastest and instead, what stance will allow you to move in the directions you need to go (based on your position.)
Are you asking for advice on your footbal stance or your 40 stance?
it sounds like you are looking for improvements in your 40 times. parallel feet will not give you the fastest time. staggering them will allow your body to get into the proper positions to lower your times. also, if a fast 40 is your goal, beware of false 20 times. not only are they inaccurate (if hand timed), you may find out correct acceleration through 20yds may result in slower 20 times, but faster 40 times. some NFL pre-combine trainers know this, and now so do you.
it sounds like you are looking for improvements in your 40 times. parallel feet will not give you the fastest time. staggering them will allow your body to get into the proper positions to lower your times. also, if a fast 40 is your goal, beware of false 20 times. not only are they inaccurate (if hand timed), you may find out correct acceleration through 20yds may result in slower 20 times, but faster 40 times. some NFL pre-combine trainers know this, and now so do you.
i am looking to improve my 40 and twenty times, not on the field but off.
rockjumper- what exactly do you mean byt your above statement-could you expand? do you mean that your best twenty wont translate to your best 40? im just not sure what you mean, if you would please get more technical for me?