There is a Right Way to Position a Hurdle to Go Over It!

Today's post is some simple advice. If you look closely at the diagram to the right, you'll see that there is a wrong way and a right way to position a hurdle before going over it.

The base extensions, which stabilize the hurdle, should be facing TOWARD you as you approach the hurdle. The weighted base allows the hurdle to return to the upright position after it is tipped forward by a hurdler's lead leg or trail leg. If you attempt to go over a hurdle with the base extensions pointing away from you, the hurdle will not tip away from you if you hit it! Instead, it will stay upright and you will land on top of the hurdle! Don't believe me? Just do a YouTube search for hurdle crashes. You'll see many people attempting to jump over hurdles the wrong direction. My knowledge in this area comes from years of being a hurdler and coaching high school hurdlers.

It's true that hurdlers eventually hit a hurdle, but it's important to make sure that the hurdle is positioned properly on the track. With hurdles, injuries can occur from hitting the hurdle or from catching a hurdle with the trail leg -- resulting in a fall or awkward landing. Serious injuries can include contusions, ligament sprains, knee internal derangements (meniscus tear, ACL injury) and fractures.

One track and field study shows that for children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18, running hurdles causes 23 percent of all track-related injuries. The ankle, knee and pelvis are the most commonly injured body parts.

I ran the hurdles for many years and never received an injury greater than a muscle strain. I always positioned the hurdles correctly on the track and always taught the athletes I coached that there is a right way and a wrong way to hurdle. Sadly, I've seen too many coaches who don't know all that they should about the track events that they 'coach' and have seen athletes get hurt as a result of poor leadership and direction by coaches.

My advice to anyone and everyone who attempts to go over a hurdle, regardless of age, is to make certain that it is positioned properly and that you approach it with the base extensions facing TOWARD you.

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past