Video of the Week- Side Lunge Start

The "Side Lunge Start" is a starting position I learned from Jim Snider (University of Wisconsin). We use this as the beginning of our lateral starting progression. When performed correctly, the athlete will drive off their front leg directly laterally. The back hip goes through extension, abduction, and external rotation, very similar to a forward skating stride.

The second phase is to have them start in a "Tall Kneeling" position, then move the outside leg into the "Side Lunge" position on the go command.

The third phase is to have them start standing, then step into a forward lunge position, then move laterall from the "Side Lunge" position in one smooth motion.