Athletics (British Sports Library)

80 ATHLETICS fail to shine at the longer distance over lower obstacles is because the latter event does not call for the body-dip they are accustomed to using over the high hurdles, and, if the left leg leads, it is not advisable to throw the right hand so far forward in affecting the clearance as is customary at the shorter distance. Another point for the furlong hurdler to remember ~s that the chop– down of the leading leg to shorten the stride coming down over the hurdle is not for him, although if he finds that he cannot hold the seven strides between fences all the way he may have to chop his strides coming up to the hurdle in order to adjust his take– off to the right spot. If he takes off too close he may crash into the hurdle; if too far away he may land on top of it or be forced to lean so far back going over that he will land badly and with his body out of control. Remember that the body from the waist upwards should not change from its normal sprinting position while the hurdle is being cleared. The average extra rise going over the hurdle is but 2! inches, and there should be a tendency to lift the body rather than to dip it, as does the high hurdler, when going over the fence. The instructor may readily appreciate and correct a novice's form if high jump stands are placed on either side of the hurdle with the cross-bar laid on the pegs at a height of 6 feet 2! inches.