Athletes in Action

HIGH HlJRDLES (z) TnE step-over action is clearly shown in Fig. 2 opposite. The right hand is being thrust forward in adnnce of the left foot; firstly, to keep the body absolutely square to the direction in \vhich the athlete is progressing, and, secondly, to bring the body right forward with it, in a sharp dip over the thigh . The left arm is dra·wn back in balance flexed at the elbow. IT IS A MISTAKE TO LOSE CO~TROL OF THIS AR~1, BECAUSE, IF IT FLIES WILDLY TO THE SIDE A~D REAR, THE HURDLI;.;'G ACTIO::\ IS OF ::\ECESSITY RETARDED. N"ote the full stretch of the legs and the fact that the left heel goes well abQ\.e the height of the hurdle with the left foot disposed at right angles to the shin-bone and the toes pointing straight up\vards. It is a mistake to point the leading foot fon'\'ard, as one would do in High Jumping, when one is attempting to clear a hurdle . Note, however, the strong thrust fon.,.·ard of the head, with the chin always in advance of the leading knee, which is a fundamental principle of High Hurdling, and the clever balance action of the hands and arms, the left hand being flexed on the wrist at exactly the same angle as is being main- tained by the lower part of the rear leg. Note, also, the delayed action of the rear leg, ·which trails quiescent, after the take-off until the leading leg has passed almost as far as the knee over the hurdle. Observe finally, that the trunk goes forward in the dip as an entire unit from above the hips, so that there is no very pronounced curving of the spine . 0'\ ""-1