Which statement best describes liftoff timing in the sprint start?

Which statement best describes liftoff timing in the sprint start?

• A. Front leg lifts off before the rear leg
• B. Rear leg lifts off earlier than the front leg
• C. Both legs lift off at the same time
• D. Neither leg lifts off during the initial phase

Answer: (B)

In a sprint start, liftoff timing follows the sequence of how the legs contribute to getting the body out of the blocks. The rear leg does the heavy pushing off the rear block, generating most of the initial forward impulse. Because that leg finishes its block push first, it leaves the block before the front leg. The front leg remains in contact a moment longer to help drive the body forward and set up a strong first step. So, the liftoff of the rear leg occurring earlier than the front leg best describes the timing.

In a sprint start, liftoff timing follows the sequence of how the legs contribute to getting the body out of the blocks. The rear leg does the heavy pushing off the rear block, generating most of the initial forward impulse. Because that leg finishes its block push first, it leaves the block before the front leg. The front leg remains in contact a moment longer to help drive the body forward and set up a strong first step. So, the liftoff of the rear leg occurring earlier than the front leg best describes the timing.