Track Athletics in Detail (extract)

THE HURDLES 39 In running the high hurdles the cithlcte may use either foot he chooses at the take-off, although it is better to become accustomed to jump from the right foot. It is better, because in the low hurdles the successful man must jump from the right foot. This is made necessary by curved tracks. There are few 220 straightaway courses, most low-hurdle contests being conducted on a curved track; and it is practically impossible to make any speed at all on such a path when jumping from the left foot. J. P. Lee used to jump from the left and right foot alternately, and for that reason he scarcely ever entered a contest on a curved track. He knew he could not win. There is a difference of opinion among the best men in this event as to whether the standing stait or the crouching start is the better. I hose who take the upright start assert that they can get off quicker and are in better condition to take the first hurdle, which is only fifteen yards away, and say that it is difficult to rise to the piopei jumping position in such a short run. 1hose who fa\oi the crouching start deny this. I his is a case where each individual must decide foi himself which method he prefers. Another vital point that must be observed is to rush foi the hist hur­ dle with the utmost speed, for the way in which the first obstacle is reached and cleared often de­ cides the race. It may be well to add that under