A coaching check that saves a lot of frustration - Coach Pfaff on Block Starts

Dan Pfaff explains how block start issues often stem from setup errors rather than an athlete's physical capabilities.

A simple coaching check that saves a lot of frustration. If an athlete shows clean shapes, solid angles, and consistent intent in a three-point, walk-in, or falling start, those qualities should carry into the blocks. When they disappear, that contrast matters. As Coach Dan Pfaff points out, a breakdown in the blocks often signals a setup issue rather than a capability issue. Foot spacing, shin angles, hand position, and balance demands can quietly push athletes into positions they cannot express well, especially with younger or less developed athletes. Use alternative starts as a reference point. Compare shapes. Compare angles. Let what they already do well guide how you build the block setup. Small adjustments upstream often clean up the picture downstream. This clip comes from Live Immersion 2 of The Coaching Eye, where real movement problems get unpacked in real time. Want to learn more about Block Starts - check out Coach Pfaff's 5* rated course - Coaching the Short Sprints. 🔗 loom.ly/k9eAzPE