THE START

“This starting stance can improve your forty time from one to two tenths of a second!” K.Devine

By BFS
Published: Summer 1998
Kevin Devine, the NFL’s fastest player, demonstrates his explosive start. He is an up and coming star for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kevin uses the BFS start method, which we have recommended for years. This start will give anyone an advantage. Kevin enthusiastically advises, “this starting stance can improve your forty time from one to two tenths of a second!

“I use a modified track stance. It is not smart to use a football stance for times in a forty when money or scholarships are on the line. The best way to start your forty is to use a stance similar to a sprinter’s stance. You want your legs close together, not too far apart. The lead leg should be about four to six inches back from the starting line. The back leg could vary, but the ball of the foot should dig and plant deeply into the ground. You want to be like a rattlesnake. It’s a cramped, uncomfortable position that should feel like a snake that’s coiled ready to strike. Just before you get ready to explode forward out of your coiled stance, the hips should raise up higher than the shoulders. The shoulders should lean over the line with the head down. Do not raise your head up. There are two reasons. First, it would tend to pop you up too soon rather than keeping you low at the beginning of your sprint. Second, lifting the head up makes you tight, and keeping relaxed is important. Remember, the key is to get a good forward body lean.

“Another trick is to raise the arm opposite from the back leg way up above the hips. The idea is to punch out hard to force you into an explosive start. It should throw you out of your stance. Remember, that in a sprint every millisecond counts.

“When I explode forward, I concentrate on the first three steps. When I punch out with my arm, my back leg automatically explodes forward. I keep my head down and look where I want my first steps to be. Those first three steps are all power. That first punch perpetuates everything that follows.”

Kevin Devine is the NFL's fastest player.

1. First, walk up to the starting line relaxed and confident.

2. Now, measure both feet four to six inches from the starting line.

3. Next, bring one foot back about six inches from the heel of the front foot. It does not matter which foot, whatever is most comfortable or natural.

4. Then, place one hand down which is on the same side as the back foot. Form a tripod type track position with that hand, as shown. Make sure the thumb and first finger are exactly on the starting line.

5. Now, place the other hand down in the same manner.

6. Next, concentrate and relax by taking a deep breath. You are in the “Ready” position.

7. Another view of the “Ready” position.

8. Then raise the arm which is opposite of the back leg.

9. Raise that arm as high and as straight as possible. Raise your hips higher than your shoulders.

10. Now, lean as forward as possible. Your shoulders should extend over the starting line. Your stance should be cramped and uncomfortable to hold. You are like a snake; coiled and ready to strike. This is the “Get Set” position.


11. Another view of the “Get Set” position. Keep your head down.

12. Pow! Punch the raised arm forward explosively, keeping the arm at a right angle.

13. Another view. Drive the back leg explosively forward at the same time. Remember, the power and explosive drive of the arm will determine the power and explosive drive of the back leg.

14. Another view. Keep your head down. Focus your eyes to where your first stride should be.

15. Another view. The explosive punch of the raised arm will help everything else to become practically automatic. You want the feeling of being shot out of a cannon.
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