The hurdle events are one of the most difficult events in track and field, combining both sprinting and jumping. There are three phases to the hurdles: takeoff, transition and touchdown. The takeoff phase is the transition from sprinting into jumping. One must maintain speed as they approach the hurdle, drive one leg over and through the hurdles as the opposite arm lifts upward creating power.
The next phase is the transition phase. This is when the lead leg becomes straight and the trailing leg explodes with power off the ground driving the body over the hurdle. Once the trailing leg is lifted over the hurdle, the lead leg will automatically lower towards the ground.
The last phase is the touchdown phase. This is when the lead leg has touched the ground and the sprinting stride has resumed. Remember not to lose speed between the hurdles.
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