Abstract

This study of sprinters has produced a number of new insights into the mechanics of sprinting. For example, although it has long been felt that sprinters decelerate at the end of a race it is now apparent that very well trained sprinters can maintain their maximum speed until the end of a 100 m sprint. It is also apparent that these same sprinters have a maximum velocity that is reached somewhere between 60 and 70 metres. Although many coaches put great emphasis on knee extension and leg curl exercises in their sprint training programmes the results of these power analyses would indicate that the hip muscles are the main movers of the leg throughout the whole swing phase. This would suggest to the coach that the hip flexors and extensors should receive more attention in a sprinters weight training programme than would the knee musculature. The knee flexors, however, do perform eccentrically at relatively high levels for both flexion and extension; therefore, they should be trained for this type of work. Exercises such as, depth jumping, bounding, and decline running, should provide the correct training stimulus. Verf.-Referat