Page:The purple pennant (IA purplepennant00barb).pdf/209

Rh distance every time. Put that front hole so that your instep will come opposite your right knee when you're down, and dig your hole deeper, man; that scratch in the ground doesn't give you any purchase. That's the ticket, dig it out. Now then, try that. Better? Hold on, though; you're straddled too much. The idea is that when you get away your rear foot will travel straight forward. Your back hole is too far to the right. Put it about here and see how it goes. That's the trouble with you, too, Soper. Your back hole is too far back and too wide of the line through your body."

The two boys followed instructions and presently tried another start. When they had run through their dozen or fifteen yards and walked back, Lanny began again.

"As near as I can tell, fellows," he said, "neither of you really understand why you're doing this. You appear to have the idea that when you start off you have to throw your body forward. The result is that you both go off with a jump and you don't get your stride until you're eight or ten yards away. Watch me a minute, please. You fellows, too; you're none of you getting off well. Now, then, fingers back of the mark, spread enough to carry your weight easily, but not tense; there ought to be a little spring to them as they lift.