Track start in track and field is referring to how one prepares themselves on the blocks before commencing a race. A track start is the conventional stance in which one prepares for sprint 100m, 200m, and 400m racers. One may take a low stance in back of the start and use the block for support in propelling oneself forward. The athlete is waiting for the starter gun release after listening for “On your marks,” and then “Set.”
In the “set” position, the sprinter bends forward with his back, raises his hips higher than his shoulders, and extends his hands just in back of the start line with his fingers slightly curled in preparation for his first explosive step forward. His two feet are placed against the raised sections of his blocks against which he can push off when the gun is fired. The track start is about developing speed in a rapid manner while minimizing reaction time and accumulating speed in a race’s beginning. The starters practice extensively in order to master this start since even a small lag can make them come in first or fifth in sprint races. Sprints have start blocks, whereas middle and long-distances have runners beginning in standing or crouched stance without blocks since these involve more stamina than speed.
