Bud Winter secrets on The Rocket Sprint Start

…hat moves forward. So you might think about that. Keep the same block setup and position, but only worry about ripping out that right hand. If anything the arm that goes backward should almost be passive. There's a great drill that been around forever from Bud Winter in the 1960's where he had his sprinters trying to swipe his hat. Here it is:link to this video The part I am taking about is around 3:12. (I don't teach the "rocket start". I use Charlie Francis version of block starts. I do think however the importance of the lead arm is still relevant and I still use Bud Winters drill)…

Bud Winters - Rocket Start [video ​ Old school but I still like it... Thoughts

I'm guessing what you're referring to is the old Bud Winters rocket start (link to this video - it never really went away, and a handful of sprinters over the years have tended to prefer it. I do think the Oregon coaches like it as many of their athletes at least try it out. It has its pros and cons, and its utility is probably somewhat individual to the athlete. Some folks benefit more from the low hips/flat back that's encouraged by this technique over others.

rocket start - bud winters. link to this video