Why? The Science of Athletics

222 WHY?-THE SCIENCE OF ATHLETICS Fig. 48, Plate I2, and you will see at once what happens when a tired runner allows his head to go back. The throwing back of -this runner's head has immediately destroyed the balanced action of his arms; and, worse still, the wrong disposition of his head has materially decreased the length of his stride, since the lower leg cannot possibly be fully extended if the head is flung back ; this is simply because the athlete's weight and balance are being brought back, instead of being carried forward over his centre of gravity, which would enable him to stride out. Coaches are in the habit, also, of telling their middle distance runners to keep their eyes fixed upon an imagin– ary moving spot on the track which keeps continually about I 2 yards ahead of them. This has the effect of helping the forward stride. If you will now look at Fig. 49, Plate 12, I think you will see for yourself the reason why this advice is given. The runner by fixing his eyes upon that imaginary spot some I 2 yards ahead disposes his balance in such a way that he is bound to run in a series of falls in which he is continually catching up his own equilibrium, without being forced to lift the knee of the leading leg to a tiring extent to ensure sufficient stride-length. In Fig. 49, Plate I 2, you will see how well this principle was put into practice by Dr. Otto Peltzer, Germany, the former holder of the world's half-mile record. His action is beautifully balanced, perfectly rhythmic and with the body pitched at such an angle that he is bound to reach well out with the left leg, which is seen rising to make the stride, in order that he may save himself from pitching forward on to his face. If his head was dropped back his left knee would come up and his stride would be correspond– ingly shortened. Where hurdling is concerned the disposition of the head is even more important. In that connection there is one golden rule which all good coaches teach to hurdlers at the very beginning of their, careers. That rule says,