sprinting problem

[Spartan40]

When ever I'm exploding off the line for a sprint the first few (1-4) steps are usually fine: I can stay low, gain speed fairly well, etc. However, the transition from the initial accleration to faster speeds is causing problems. I'm standing up too tall and too quickly and am not gaining any speed at that portion of the sprint. This is really ticking me off and I've gone over and read the many technicalities and sprint technique guides and am thinking it's two problems: 1st, I'm taking too long of strides at this stage in the sprint and. 2nd, there is some muscular weakness holding me back. What do you all think? Thanks for the help

[SteppDiesel]

practice. run on the balls of your feet the whole time- stay extremely low on start and always have a lean. dorsi flex your toe

[Spartan40]

Ok thanks. Dorsiflexion is something I have been struggling with. I've noticed I've been unconsciously extending the toes more than I should be.

[Fullback7]

The first 10 yards should be run in 5.5-6.5 steps, so if you are under that you are over striding. You may also want to check your stance.

http://speedendurance.com/2008/01/31...0-meter-start/
http://speedendurance.com/2008/01/27...-40-yard-dash/

[mattmatt22]

another good way to train yourself for a good start is to get a rope ladder out and adjust the spacing so that you know where your feet are suppose to be, you will need someone to watch your feet and help you adjust the stride lengths for your needs. You want to come out really low, the key is to really swing your arms so you can keep a steady balance and so you dont fall on your face while staying very low. Too many people stand up too fast.

[Jhawk Fitness]

1) Get some video from a parrellel angle and post it here for reviews. 2) Check your pelvis and make sure your hips are rotated forward during your top-speed phase, a lot of athletes neglect this part of technique work, if your hips are weak and rotate downward during this phase you will be biomechanically cutting off your potential stride length. Also be very careful not to over-stride, remember you can't run your fastest at maximum stride length (that's essentially a bound), you need optimal stride length.