To be a great hurdler one needs great technique and speed. To develop hurdlers you need drills to develop both speed and technique. Many hurdle drills are full speed activities, however, there are some exercises that are conducted at sub-maximal speeds. In the video below Vince Anderson, assistant coach for NCAA Track and Field powerhouse Texas A&M, shows two sub-max drills that he uses to increase the leg frequency of his hurdlers.

The drills are from a DVD that contains several drills for hurdlers. To learn more about the DVD that these drills came from click the link Texas A&M Track & Field Series – Drills and Progressions for Championship Sprint Hurdles

The YouTube video has sound so please make sure that your sound is turned on. Also if you are a high school or junior high school coach, be aware that many schools block access to YouTube

In the clip below Colorado State Assistant Coach Karim Abdel Waheb demonstrates three drills that will definitely help your hurdlers to develop the proper mechanics with both the take off and lead legs.

The first drill is the Cut Step into Tight Lead, designed to train the take off leg to go down and back without block your speed. It also trains the athlete to lead with the knee on the lead leg. A Hurdle Take Simulation Drill will allow the athlete to practice the cut step and lead leg continuously. The final drill is the Snap Drill. Here the emphasis is on using the speed of the trail leg to push off and start the re-acceleration phase.

For more ideas about how to train your hurdlers click on the video below Curriculum Guide for the Hurdles

The YouTube video has sound, so please make sure your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site.

In the video clip below learn how to teach your hurdlers how to explode out of the blocks. The drill progression demonstrated below is from Colorado State University assistant coach Karim Abdel Wahab. Coach Wahab wants runners to come out of the blocks with their body on one line through the knees, hips, shoulders and ears.

These drills come from a DVD that contains over 70 drills designed to improve hurdlers. For more information about the DVD that these drills came from click the link Curriculum Guide for the Hurdles

The YouTube video has sound, so please make sure your sound is on and that you have access to the site (Some schools block access to YouTube)

The acceleration phase of sprinting is critical, as the work you do here sets up the transition phase and the maximum velocity phase. A good training program should include work in all three areas. In the clip below Dana Boone, the Texas State University head track & field coach, takes you through a series of acceleration drills with specific cues to help athletes learn speed-enhancing posture, alignment, and sprint form. Coach demonstrates the following drills: Wall Pushes, Wall Walk Ups, Wall Switches and finally the Falling Run.

For more information about the DVD that these drills come from click the link Becoming a Champion: Sprints & Relays for Girls’ Track & Field

The YouTube has sound, please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site (some schools block access to YouTube)

Below are five warm-up drill for your sprinters. They not only serve to prepare the body for a more rigorous workout, but also reinforces proper running mechanics. In the clip Dana Boone, the Texas State University head track & field coach, teaches five warm-up drills for sprinters that help promote proper mechanics. Coach Boone has used these drills en route to coaching 53 All Americans during her career.

These drills are just a sample from a more comprehensive DVD. For more information about the DVD this clip came from click the link Becoming a Champion: Sprints & Relays for Girls’ Track & Field

The YouTube video has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site.