PHASE ONE- 'ON YOUR MARKS'

The first stage of the crouch start is a stationary position with the body in the following position (fig 2.1 2.2);

1. Front foot a forearm length from line
2.  Alternate knee a little in front of the front foot
3.  Feet supported by the blocks, elastic ankle on driving foot
4. Hands placed behind the line, shoulder width apart, fingers forming a bridge like support
5. Shoulders above finger
6. Head relaxed a in line with body, eyes looking

Picture sources 23-4-13- http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickwebb/7734416998/, 

    In this position it is vital that the body relaxed and balanced (Ballesteros 1979). An athlete can achieve this through relaxing the shoulders and often listening to their breathing. By doing so an athlete can prepare themselves for a neuro-muscular reaction and the natural adrenalin rush or nervous reaction needed when the gun is fired (Byrnes, 2012).