Is it possible for me to 3-step in 100m hurdles?

Question

i run 100m hurdles and triple jump for track in high school. i'm a short asian 5'3'' girl and my legs are really short, but i can 4-step. is it possible for me to 3-step? i'm the shortest one in height and leg height on the hurdle team besides my friend who's in the same situation. also another problem i have is staying in the air for a long time when i'm jumping the hurdle.

Answer 1

One step is normal for boys my age I think.

Answer 2

yes u can but its gonna have a less likely chance of u winning ( i did it in middle school and i was kicked of track)

Answer 3

haha a fellow asian hurdler, right on.  i run the 110s, i am almost there- i have a weird 3.5 step....  when i land i do a quick stutter.  yea anyways, if your getting too much air your not taking off far enough from the hurdle.  i know your short, as you describe, but since the height of the hurdle is revelatively low, you should take off about 5-6 ft from it giong full speed.  3--step problems i would take up with your coach, it takes a lot of reps.  i still can't stop switching lead legs....

Answer 4

It depends on how short and how long your stride is as to whether you can 3 step or not.

The hurdles are set 8.5 meters apart. If you can get to the first hurdle in 8 steps you should be able to 3 step between hurdles.

Remember that you do not jump the hurdle. It is an elongated stride. You are slowing down when you are in the air you are only propelling yourself when you are applying force to the ground, which is why you want to get back to the ground as soon as possible after clearing the hurdle.

Practice by moving the second hurdle and each successive hurdle closer together so you can comfortably get to them in 3 steps. After you are comfortable, then move the hurdles slightly farther apart, by using this method you will be able to run 3 steps when the hurdles are set at 8.5 meters apart.

You have speed and know how to lead with either leg, so think about running the 300 hurdles, plus the hurdles are only 30 inches high.

It is a big advantage to be able to alternate lead legs in the 300 hurdles because your stride pattern changes late in the race as you tire, and you will be able to change from 15 steps between hurdles to 16 steps meaning you are not shortening your stride so you can stay on the same lead leg.