Improving Sprint Start Reaction Time
Introduction Sprint events, particularly short-distance races like the 100m and 200m, are often won or lost within fractions of a second. One critical factor that can significantly impact a sprinter’s performance is their reaction time at the start of the race. A quicker response to the starting signal can give sprinters a crucial advantage, allowing […]
Hill Sprints: Techniques and Benefits of Incline Speed Training
Introduction In recent years, incline speed training and uphill sprinting have emerged as innovative and highly effective methods for enhancing running performance. Research demonstrates that hill sprints not only improve running economy but also increase leg strength and power, leading to better speed and acceleration (Barnes & Kilding, 2015). Furthermore, this type of sprinting can […]
The Crucial Role of Core Strength in Sprinting
Introduction Many of use know about the importance of the lower body during sprinting; however, what is the role of one’s core when it comes to sprinting performance? Core strength plays a vital role in sprinting performance by providing stability, facilitating force transfer, and aiding power generation. By understanding the biomechanical mechanisms behind the core’s […]
Which Foot Should Be in Front When Starting a Sprint?
Introduction Starting technique is essential in sprinting, and foot placement plays a significant role in it. One question that often arises is which foot should be in front when starting a sprint. The answer lies in an individual’s dominant leg. As a general rule, the dominant leg should be in front when starting a sprint. […]
Understanding False Starts in Sprinting
Introduction Sprinting is one of the most exciting and exhilarating sports to watch, with athletes pushing the limits of human speed and agility. However, athletes are not immune to errors, and one of the most common mistakes in sprinting is a false start. A false start occurs when an athlete moves before the starter’s gun […]
The Best Exercises for Sprinters
Introduction Aspiring and experienced sprinters know that speed, explosiveness, agility, and strength are important factors to improve their performance. However, it can be challenging to know which exercises are best suited for sprinting. The best exercises for sprinters are: compound lower body movements such as squats and deadlifts as well as accessory movements such as […]
The Shortest and Tallest Olympic Sprinters
Introduction A lot of aspiring sprinters worry about if they are too short or ‘tall enough’ (or maybe in some cases, that they are too tall). So, who are the shortest and tallest Olympic sprinters? Some examples of short Olympic sprinters are, Su Bingtian (172cm), Maurice Greene (176cm) and Nesta Carter (172cm), whereas some of […]
Do Nordics Make You Faster?
Introduction The Nordic hamstring curl (NHC) – also known as just ‘Nordics’ – are becoming increasingly popular among people wanting to run faster, jump higher and prevent injuries. But are Nordics really all that they are made out to be? Nordics may be helpful long term for sprint and general athletic performance, but they are […]
The Most Important Muscles for Speed
Introduction Anyone that is looking to get faster will no doubt find a variety of exercises being shoved at them upon searching the web. However, can these be backed by science? People also often associate being a sprinter with being jacked, but which muscles are actually important for speed? It seems as though the most […]
The Best Exercise to Improve your Acceleration Speed
Introduction I previously talked about some of the theory behind a good acceleration and why understanding the theory behind efficient acceleration mechanics is important. If you haven’t read that article, then I recommend you do so as it will make the ideas throughout this article much clearer. In this article I am going to be talking much […]
