Coach Education Resources
Force Application Technique, Sprint Performance, and Training Implications
This research paper examines the biomechanics of sprint running and how these factors affect performance in the 100m race. The study explores the importance of ground reaction force (GRF), particularly its horizontal component, in determining acceleration. The authors used a motorised instrumented treadmill to measure GRF in detail and found that the ability to orient GRF forward is crucial for sprint performance, even more so than the total force produced. The study also investigates how different levels of athletes, ranging from non-specialists to world-class performers, apply force differently during sprinting. The results highlight the need for training programs that focus on both physical strength and technical skill development, specifically in orienting force forward during acceleration.
Sprint Drill Variations
Check out this simple set of variations that you can apply with your sprints, jumpers, throwers, and endurance athletes.
Biomechanical Performance Factors in the Track and Field Sprint Start: A Systematic Review
In athletics sprint events, the block start performance can be fundamental to the outcome of a race. This Systematic Review aims to identify biomechanical factors of critical importance to the block start and subsequent first two steps performance.
Hurdlers and Sprinters - Not So Different Out of the Blocks
Coaches have long thought hurdlers and sprinters start their races differently. However, research analysing World Class sprinters and hurdlers show that sprinters and hurdlers aren’t as different as you think out of the blocks.
What Makes a Winning Sprinter?
In all sprint running races (100m to 400m), every hundredth of a second gained or lost in the race counts. But, most importantly, the fastest male and female sprinters attain incredible top running speeds, with peaks in excess of 44km per hour and 38km per hour in the men’s and women’s 100m races, for example. So what makes a fast runner?
Returning to Sprinting After Lower Limb Injury - A Peer Reviewed Approach
In the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, Lorenz and Domzalski have released a detailed rehabilitation program for athletes returning to sprinting after a lower limb injury. The program is a simple 3-stage process with clear criteria for progression to reduce the risk of injury reoccurrence.
Strength for Sprinting - Connecting Gym Gains with Sprinting Performance
What can the coach do to ensure that the time the athlete is spending in the weights room is being used most effectively for performance gains? This article looks at how we can select exercises in the gym that have the greatest transfer to sprinting performance.
Three Great Acceleration Drills - Loren Landow's Drill Progression
Loren Landow, owner of Landow Performance, shows some example progressions and cues for correct accleration mechanics. This video has been produced by the National Strength and Conditioning Association in the USA.
Plyometrics - Four Studies All Track and Field Coaches Should Understand
This article will examine four key research papers on the benefits and sport-specific effectiveness of plyometrics training. We will examine their findings and place the results in the context of the wider peer-reviewed literature and expert opinion on the topic.
Race Breakdown and Verbal Cues for the 100m
Based on a lecture by Tom Tellez, this article shares his approach to coaching the sprints. This article covers the notes that were made, outlining what he identified as the key priorities for each stage of a 100m and the verbal cues that he used with his athletes.
Maintaining Clarity and Consistency in a Training Program with Paul Pearce
Australian Level 4 High Performance sprints coach, Paul Pearce, explains his approach to training and weekly training structure for his sprinting group.
Running on Sand for Injury Prevention and Performance
It has been claimed that beach running is a great way to improve strength, fitness and running performance while preventing injury. So let's have a look at what the peer-reviewed evidence says, in conjunction with the opinion of our running experts, on the veracity of these claims.