Coaching Young Athletes

3-Point Sprint Starts: What, Why & How?

What is a 3-point start?

A 3-point start is basically a crouch start performed with only one hand (and therefore “3 points” – one hand and two feet) in contact on the ground. The other hand is held up off the ground, and back behind and above the hip.

It is an excellent activity to use when transitioning young track & field athletes from a standing sprint start to a crouch start.

A 3-point start is generally not a starting technique that is allowed in competition. The IAAF “Rules of Competition” states that when an athlete is in the ‘On Your Marks’ position: “Both hands and at least one knee shall be in contact with the ground . . .” and at the ‘Set’ command the athlete shall retain this contact of their hands with the ground. It is, therefore, a starting technique primarily used in practice.

How does a 3-point start help young athletes?

It is the initial position of the hands that can assist the athlete. When in a full crouch start, with both hands on the ground, many beginners either don’t know what to do with their hands or can’t process which hand/arm drives forward and which one drives back. The arm position used in a  3-point start – one arm placed forward and one arm placed back – solves this for the athlete.

How to perform a 3-point start?

On a command (I simply use “ready”) the athlete takes up a position similar to a crouch start “set” position – but with only one hand in contact with the ground.

The feet are positioned as for a standing or full crouch start – one foot back and one foot forward, both pointing down the track. A comfortable gap is left between the front foot and starting line.

The hand that is opposite to the front foot is placed just behind the line. This hand forms an arch, with the fingers pointing outwards and the thumb inwards. (Watch for athletes who have the same hand and foot forward – a common mistake with young athletes who are performing a 3-point start for the first time.

The other arm is held up and back behind the the hip, ready to drive forward.

The front leg is bent at the knee at about 90 degrees, the back leg is bent at about 120 degrees. Avoid straightening the back leg when in this position – a straight leg cannot push.

The hips are held slightly higher that the shoulders. The head is down so that the athlete can see their back foot.

On “Go” the athlete pushes away from the starting line, imagining that all of their power is coming out of the top of their head. (The eyes will need to remain focused down for the first few strides to achieve this). The arm that is back behind the hip is driven forward, the hand that was on the ground is driven back in an opposite arm-to-leg action.

What are your thoughts about 3-point starts?

Further reading

Articles:

15 Simple Tips You Need to Know for a Standing Sprint Start

10 of the Biggest Mistakes Young Athletes Make When Using a Sprint Standing Start

Starting Blocks: How to Set Them Up In 3 Easy Steps

Tell Young Sprinters to “Start Your Engines”

Coaching Young Athletes E-Book:

A Fun Sprints Lesson Plan For Kids E-Book (Plus Bonus Cheat Sheet)

If this post helped you please take a moment to help others by sharing it on social media. If you want to learn more I encourage you to leave questions and comments or contact me directly.

Click here to subscribe for free to the Coaching Young Athletes email list and receive a complimentary mini e-book!

Do you want that little bit extra? Learn about Coaching Young Athletes membership HERE.