Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the force-velocity relationship and various aspects of power production during a sprint. To reach this aim, we used a device able to increase the force required by the athlete, during a sprint in field conditions. In the present study 10 male football players of national level were considered, whose age weight and height were respectively 25.7 ± 3 years (mean + standard deviation), 75.9 ± 4.5 kg. and 177.7 ± 3.8cm. The force-velocity relationship obtained in this study was strongly linear (r2=0.89, p<0.001); the power required by the experimental protocol and recorded during the various sprints effected was included in a range between 399.89 ± 51.58 and 128.43 W.; both power- velocity and power- force relationships were parabolic and presented respectively a r2 of 0.35 (p<0.001) and 0.67 (p<0.001). Moreover, this study dealt with some methodological problems on the use of uphill sprints in the training programs.