The Effects of Shortening the Distance between Hurdles during Training

Abstract

The high hurdle events consists of succesive changes in cycling (sprinting) and non-cycling (hurdle clearing) movements. This characteristic is the basic element of the events correct technique. It is acceptable that in jumping events, the high performance athletes follow a distinct preparatory phase just before the actual jump in order to achieve a position that facilitates a better transition from running to jumping conditions (Nixdorf. 1983, Tsarouchas. 1986). The purpose of the present study was to investigate shorter distances between the hurdles during training, as a means to improve the preparation phase of hurdle clearance.