Some Reflections on Maximum Speed Sprinting Technique

In the article “Some Reflections on Maximum Speed Sprinting Technique”, we learn how technical springing really is.  Although sprinting is just going fast in a straight line, having proper technique and form can make a huge difference on ones speed.  The article describes sprinting as a “highly complicated technical movement”.

This article first tells of the traditional approach/view of sprinting.  In this approach the emphasis is placed on “the driving phase” where the legs are “behind the body’s centre of mass”.  The article then tells how the world’s top sprinters actually almost have an upright body position.  The article tells how the athletes have the “appearance of being very tall”.  The top sprinter also display high knees and fully extended ankles and hips.

I think as a strength coach it is very important to know the best and proper technique for sprinting.  Not only in play, but for combines, athletes will have to demonstrate great speed.  As competitive as sports are these days, even if the athlete only gains a few tenths, he/she is better off.  I think it is really easy to breeze by the importance of technique in sprinting.  Technique in running in general can be off.  The basic analysis of an athlete’s gait is a good place to start.  From a biomechanical perspective, an athlete’s technique can almost always be improved.