Max Velocity Sprinting

Page 1

Max Velocity Sprinting Sprinting is a complex skill orientated task that places a high neuromuscular demand on any athlete and requires high levels of coordinated movement and appropriate sequencing of muscle activations to perform at peak levels. As coaches, we should be aware that acceleration and max velocity sprinting are interlinked but also independently performed movements. This article will review KG Elite Performance’s maximal velocity sprint mechanics with particular focus on the primary factors affecting performance, and the characteristics required to optimise max velocity sprinting mechanics. For more info, visit: http://www.kgelite.ie/ Table of Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Introduction Stride Length vs Stride Rate Force Production & Sprinting Speed Minimize Braking Forces Conclusion References

Introduction Before going in to an in-depth discussion of sprinting mechanics, let’s first examine some fundamental concepts of sprinting performance. Historically, speed performance has always been based around two key variables: stride length and stride rate. Coaching systems around speed performance were made more simple with primary focus being placed on enhancing both of these characteristics. However, more experienced coaches knew that it was not as simple as it seemed because the two variables are actually interdependent in a loosely inverse relationship. The reason being as one variable increases the other often decreases. Research from Weyand et al. (2000) began to change the sprint coaching landscape. Dr Weyand and colleagues ground braking research paper “Faster top running speeds are achieved with greater ground forces not more rapid leg movements” published in the Journal of Applied Physiology altered coaches philosophy on speed development and created a shift away from stride length and stride rate being the primary determinants of speed performance. Stride Length vs Stride Frequency The fastest sprinters tend to have stride lengths and stride frequencies as great as 2.5-2.6m and 5 steps per second respectively (Mann, 2005). Interestingly, the source of these outstanding characteristics is actually a single attribute. It was Weyand and colleagues (2000) research paper which demonstrated that force applied at ground contact is the most important determinant of running speed. This same research indicated that the speed at which an athlete moves their legs through the air is of little importance, essentially negating the impact of stride frequency as a key variable. The benefit of greater force application into the ground is two-fold. First, greater force application will increase stride length. In addition, greater force applied to the ground will cause a greater


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.