In subelite sprinters, the rear hip angle at the start is which angle?

In subelite sprinters, the rear hip angle at the start is which angle?

• A. 80 degrees
• B. 90 degrees
• C. 100 degrees
• D. 110 degrees

Answer: (B)

At the start, the rear hip angle describes how flexed the hip is between the torso and the rear thigh. In subelite sprinters, this angle is about 90 degrees. That means the trunk is forward-leaning and the rear thigh is roughly perpendicular to the torso, creating a solid base for immediate hip and knee extension when the blocks release. This position helps direct force into the track to maximize horizontal acceleration right from the first step. If the angle were larger than 90, the torso would be more upright and the initial drive would be less efficient; if it were smaller than 90, the hip would be over-flexed, limiting hip extension and potentially increasing knee stress. So, a rear hip angle near 90 degrees best supports a powerful, early-drive start in subelite sprinters.

At the start, the rear hip angle describes how flexed the hip is between the torso and the rear thigh. In subelite sprinters, this angle is about 90 degrees. That means the trunk is forward-leaning and the rear thigh is roughly perpendicular to the torso, creating a solid base for immediate hip and knee extension when the blocks release. This position helps direct force into the track to maximize horizontal acceleration right from the first step. If the angle were larger than 90, the torso would be more upright and the initial drive would be less efficient; if it were smaller than 90, the hip would be over-flexed, limiting hip extension and potentially increasing knee stress. So, a rear hip angle near 90 degrees best supports a powerful, early-drive start in subelite sprinters.