L20, The Mechanics of Sprinting Flashcards
What is a sprinting activity?
Any short duration high intensity activity at distances of no more than 800m
What are the 3 distinct phases of sprint running?
- Acceleration phase: Positive slope of speed-distance over initial 60m
- Attainment of maximal speed phase: Peak of curve
- Maintenance of maximal speed phase: Slight negative slope over last 40m
When do untrained sprinters achieve their maximal speed in comparison to elite sprinters?
10-35m from the start compared to 60-80m
The biomechanics of acceleration: Where is the centre of mass typically found when running?
The front of ground contact point for most of the stride
The COM is being rotated forward about the stance foot, what does this result in?
Positive horizontal velocity of the COM
What are interventions that can be used to improve sprint running in the start and acceleration phases?
- Resistance training for muscular strength and stability
- Triple extension motion
- Weight to strength ratio
Sprinting speed directly depends on what?
The net vertical force during ground contact
What are interventions that can be used to improve sprint running in the maximal velocity phase?
- Power training (unilateral exercises or 1/4 squats)
- Shorten ground contact time (SSC, eccentric training, plyometrics, RFD)
What are interventions that can be used to improve sprint running in the maintenance phase?
Speed endurance training
Give 3 examples of specific interventions of resisted sprint training and what factors of sprinting they effect:
- Weighted vests: Force production
- Sand running: Strength, stability, acceleration
- Resisted towing: Force production in the acceleration phase
Give 3 examples of specific interventions of assisted sprint training and what factors of sprinting they effect:
- Assisted towing: Ground contact time
- Downhill running: Running velocity and form
- High-speed treadmill running: Technique and hamstring conditioning
