Athletics (British Sports Library)

HURDLING 67 away from the hurdle. Hurdlers who cannot accomplish the step-over method, but have to bound or sail over, will land from 6 to 8 feet beyond the hurdle, but this cannot be avoided in their case. Let us assume, for the sake of convenience, that the left leg is the first to go over the fence. It is thrown up stiffly and in such a way that a distinct pull is felt at the back of the knee, the toes being pointed straig~t upwards in the manner shown in Sketch 2. The foot itself is thrown directly ahead. As the left leg rises, so the body is dipped forward to meet it. In this position the body and leg should form a "V," and the front of the thigh should actually strike against the breast (Sketches 3, 4, 5, and 6). Balance is preserved and the bend of the body from the waist assisted by the flinging forward of the fully extended right arm, which is extended to the front at the same time as the left leg. The left arm may accompany the right (Sketch 3), or it may be dropped so that the right hand comes level with the hip (Sketches 5A, 5B, and 6), but it is better for it to be fully to the rear, on a line with the right thigh (Sketch 4). The right leg is fully extended, and no attempt is made to draw up the knee until the leading foot is well over the top of the hurdle (see sketches). At that stage the leg is lifted upward and outward