Starting Blocks: Find Your Short, Medium or Long Setting

Each student tries the three classic block settings (bunched, medium and elongated) and measures which gets them to 10 m fastest. It links start technique with personal data analysis.

How to play

1. Explanation and foot measuring: with the tape, each student marks block-to-line and block-to-block distances for all three settings, measured in their own foot lengths (6 min).
2. Set position: in pairs, check hips slightly above shoulders, shoulders over hands and weight spread out (5 min).
3. Reps: two starts to 10 m with each setting; the partner times from the signal to the cone (12 min).
4. Analysis: each student averages each setting and chooses their personal setup (4 min).
5. Log: write down your measurements in foot lengths so you never have to work them out again (3 min).

Rules

• Lock the blocks in before every start; if they slip, stop.
• Anyone not starting waits outside the running lane.
• The timer always gives the signal, with the same voice.
• Run only to the 10 m cone and slow down in the marked area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard of hearing: a light signal or arm drop to start.
• Limited mobility: wheelchair start with arm drive, timed to 10 m.
• Sore wrist: support on fists instead of fingers.

Learning goals

• Know the basic block settings.
• Adjust the set position.
• Make a technical decision from your own data.

Equipment for a class of 25

• starting blocks: 4
• measuring tape: 2
• stopwatches: 4
• cones: 12

Teacher tip

If you only have one pair of blocks, borrow from a local track club or rotate stations with no-block starts. If you film, delete the videos afterward and don't share without permission. The common error is raising the hips too high in the set position.

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