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Quiz the Coach :: I Want to be a Hurdler!

Reviewed by on Apr 02, 2008
Rating: 1 Star Rating

Kidzworlds got some free sports and fitness advice on sports like track and field.

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of football, basketball or hockey? Got a gripe about P.E. class, skateboarders, cheerleading, coaches, or anything? Why not ?

1Hey Coach,
I have always been interested in running the hurdle races in track. It looks hard though and I don't want to embarrass myself and fall on my face trying. What do you suggest I can do to learn how to hurdle?
shwasty

shwasty,
Running the hurdles is definitely something that is harder than it looks. But, like anything, with a lot of practice, it will become like second nature to you. If you have never hurdled before, the first thing you want to do is grab a hurdle then bring it to the grass because if you fall, it will hurt less. Then you want to lower the hurdle to its lowest height. In order to help prevent an injury, make sure you stretch first. Once you are warmed up, follow these steps when approaching hurdling.

  • Jog towards the hurdle. When you are a foot or two away from the hurdle, bring your lead leg (if you jump off your left foot, your lead leg is your right) up to your chest then quickly extend it over the hurdle.
  • Bring the foot that is still on the ground (your trail leg) up and make your thigh parallel to the cross bar of the hurdle. Bring your knee up by your armpit, extend, and continue into a running motion.
  • Try to practice this 10-15 times a day. Once you get the hang of the technique, start working on doing more hurdles at the same time. Also, gradually raise the height of the hurdle, as your get better.
  • Work on catching a rhythm while you run the hurdles - don't slow down too much as you approach the hurdle.

  • Running the hurdles requires a lot of speed, flexibility and explosiveness. Plyometrics will help you become a better jumper. Also, repetition is key. Once your body is programmed to jump over the hurdles, the less you will be worried about falling. So keep practicing, keep improving and most of all, have fun!

    Do you need tips or advice on sports, fitness or health? to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

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