Starting Blocks: Setup and Starter Commands
Students set the blocks using their own foot lengths, hold the "on your marks" and "set" positions and drive out on the signal, taking turns as starter. They work on reaction time, the crouch start and the false start rule.
How to play
- Groups of 4 share each set of blocks in 20 m lanes with a cone at 15 m. Each student sets the front block 1.5 to 2 foot lengths behind the line and the back block 1 to 1.5 foot lengths farther back, and memorizes their settings (4 min).
- "On your marks": feet in the blocks, back knee on the ground, hands behind the line shoulder-width apart with fingers bridged and eyes down; the teacher checks each group (3 min).
- "Set": hips rise slightly above the shoulders, weight over the hands, front knee near 90 degrees; hold for 2 seconds without moving, then lower (3 min).
- On the whistle: drive hard with both feet, opposite arm forward and stay low to the 15 m cone; 4 starts each while the other 3 watch the feet, hips and eyes (5 min).
- Student starter: students take turns giving the commands and changing the wait time in "set"; anyone who moves before the signal has a false start, gets a warning and restarts (4 min).
Rules
- Check the blocks and press them firmly into the ground before every start.
- Nobody walks across the front of a lane while someone is in the blocks.
- Only the starter gives commands, and the rest of the group stays quiet.
Variations
Easier
No blocks; use a three-point start with one hand on the ground.
Standard
Block setup, starter commands and 15 m starts with a student starter.
Harder
Pairs race side by side over 20 m, with a third student judging the finish.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student in a wheelchair starts from a stop with the same command sequence and often serves as starter.
- Hard of hearing: the start signal is a dropped arm or a lowered cone, and the starter stands where the runner can see them.
- Beginners: start with a standing start and move to the blocks once the commands are familiar.
Learning goals
- Set the starting blocks using their own measurements.
- Hold steady "on your marks" and "set" positions.
- Respect the false start rule and act as a fair starter.
Equipment for a class of 25
- starting blocks: 6
- cones: 12
- whistles: 6
Teacher tip
If your school has few blocks, set up two block stations and use three-point starts at the others, rotating every 5 minutes.
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