Illustrated Sprint Hurdles Technique

By Mike Rosenbaum, About.com Guide

As with all sprint races, high hurdles competitors begin in starting blocks. Unlike a straight sprint, however, sprint hurdlers must move into an upright position fairly quickly, generally by the midpoint between the starting line and the first hurdle. Senior-level outdoor hurdlers, for example, are generally running upright by the fourth of their eight strides leading to the initial hurdle. If you take an even number of strides to the first hurdle, begin with your lead leg in the rear starting block, and vice versa if you take an odd number of steps to the first hurdle.