HURDLE

INTRODUCTION
Hurdling is a type of jumping in which an athlete jumps over an obstacle at a high
speed or in a sprint. Hurdling is a highly specialized form of obstacle racing that is
part of the sport of athletics. Moreover, the hurdling events, barriers or obstacles are
known as hurdles that are set at a defined distance according to the event.
HISTORY
In the early 19th century, hurdlers ran and jumped over each hurdle earlier known as
burgles. In 1902, Spalding Equipment Company sold the first Hurdle called ‘Foster
Patent Safety Hurdle’ and that was a wooden hurdle. In 1923, some of the wooden
hurdles had weighed about 16 lbs. each. Later on, with passing time the hurdles
design had gone through improvements that were made in 1935, when for the first
time they developed the L-shaped hurdle.
The improved design that is the L-shaped was preferred over other shapes because
with this shape, the athlete not only hit the hurdle but it would even tip down helping
in clearing the athlete’s path.
Hurdles – Equipment
The uprights and bases of the hurdles are made of metal, but the crossbar is
wooden. Its height varies from event to event. For sprint events, it is 1.07 m long for
men and 84 cm for women with a width of 1.2 m. For 400m hurdles, it is 91 cm
long for men and 76 cm for women.
TECHNIQUES AND GAME PLAY
1) On Your Marks: At this point the athlete is focused on the track, with his / her feet
placed in the blocks and fingers on the ground behind the starting line. Note: The
hands should be placed such that they are slightly away from the shoulder width with
muscles relaxed.
2) Set: On the “set” command, athletes raise their hips a little higher than the
shoulders. In this position the runner concentrates deeply and holds the breath so
that he can propel his body forward at the start.
3) Go: After the pistol is fired, the runner lets out his breath and he moves his arms
and legs in such a way that the body propels forward at a forty-five degree angle
until the back leg is fully extended.
4) Block Start: The starting blocks must be positioned in a way so that the athlete
approaches the first hurdle leading on his/her desired leg without inserting a stutter
step.
4) Launching at the hurdles: Athletes cross the hurdles by launching at it from 6-7
feet away. Athlete’s lead leg extended yet slightly bent while the trail leg is tucked
in flat and horizontally, close to the side of the hip. The objective of this technique is
to reduce the time spent flying through the air.
5) Running technique: In hurdle races, athletes must stay on the balls of their
feet throughout the race which ensures a fluid movement between every stage of the
race.
6) Three-step technique: This technique is used in 100 and 110 meter
hurdle events in which three long steps are taken in between all the hurdles. The
fastest hurdlers use this technique to maintain their speed throughout the race.
7) Finish Line: The timer is stopped only when the athlete’s chest crosses the finish
line (The rule that came into force in 1932 Olympics held at Los Angeles).