Athletics

6o ATHLETICS. to the firsthurdle. These points often puzzle inexperienced officials, hence the reason for going into detail. Quarter- mile hurdle racing—about 10 flights, 20 to 40 yards apart— are becoming popular, andare not only a pleasant change from routine, but afford a pretty race. HINTS ON HURDLING. By C. F. Daft, Notts ForestF.C. Amateur Champion, 1885, 1886, and 1890; Holderof the British record {16 sees.),made at StamfordBridge, 3 July, 1886. Sprint hurdling is more difficult to acquire than any other form of running, requiring as it does continual practice to keep up the speed between the hurdles. It is almost impossible to become a good hurdler unlesstutored by a practical expert (an old hurdle-racer is undoubtedly the best coach you can have). When commencing, it is much better, wiser and safer to begin practice over im­ promptu obstacles before tackling theregulation hurdles.* These are easily arranged. The best plan is to get a few iron rods, pointed atthe lower end, soas to be easily stuck into the ground, andwith a curved or right-angle head on which a thin bar of wood can be supported, but which is easily knocked off, if touched, when going over. These ought to be placed exactly 10 yards apart, whilethe width between posts maybe about 5 ft. With this plan there is no danger of hurting yourself, as the bar will fall off when fouled, whereas, with the regular hurdles bad accidents might, and frequently do, happen, especially in the early stages of practice. Three or four hurdles are enough to practice over, going the full flight of ten hurdles once or twice a week. * For description of these, see p. 59 ; illustratedpage 62.—ED.