Positioning of the Head

Eliminate cosmetic movements.  There is no advantage in momentum as a result of waiting to raise the head before the rest of the body reacts.  Take a close look at the position of the back in this animation. When the head is down the back is bent down. When the head is raised the back straightens. There is no added momentum to the upward movement because once the head reaches the position of looking up and forward the movement completely stops.

Usually we see the knees begin to drop as the head is rising which is a contradiction of movement. This counter movement is actually necessary, but there is a better way.  (This is explained in more detail in our CD-eBook.)

To start looking down and then raise the head is just another “cosmetic movement.”  Rather than repositioning after the starter's signal, the movement of the head is a excess that can be eliminated by adjusting the starting position before the signal.  Starting with the head already raised, brings us one step closer to where we want to go before we start.  Raising the head and looking up before the start also helps us to get in a little more squatted position.  In order to lift the head up, the back will have to be lowered more.  For the back to be lowered, more the knees must be bent more.

Pop-Up with the arms leading the way.  When the head follows the momentum of the arms, now we are talking about a positive investment, if the movement of the arms is up-and-out instead of down.

“Cosmetic movements” that exhaust precious time and do nothing to add to the momentum should be translocated to more proficient investments of time.  There is no advantage in momentum as a result of waiting to raise the head before the rest of the body reacts. Try starting from the position with your head already up!

Look for poor investments in positioning movements.  Raising the head and shoulders while the body is moving forward instead of up is wasted.  The investment in time to raise the head and shoulders could be better spent by following the upward lead of the arms.  Bring your arms up quickly to get the maximum height momentum.

Muscles have memory.  It's a good idea to practice at least three times immediately before each start, getting into the starting stance and bringing the arms up to the streamline position while leaping up.  (It may also psych-out the competitor next to you, seeing that you are taking your start so seriously).  However, the real reason is the advantage of getting your muscles stretched and ready to perform as you give your muscles the programmed memory response that you expect.