Another View at Biomechanics & Force Application in Short and Long Sprinting
- W.E. Price
- Jan 1, 2018
- 2 min read
I took to posting this as a partial follow-up to the post (Results of Force Application...) previously published a few years ago. The subject athlete is a high school senior that primarily competes in long sprinting events, such as 300, 400 and 600 meters. Though his training program in the school includes shorter duration runs, he doesn't compete in short sprint events.
The material captured herein was acquired during two separate training sessions within the first four weeks of the winter track season. The references remain the same as the above mentioned post for highlights and nomenclature placed on the screen shots and videos. Performance descriptors (R. Mann) that were specifically observed are (1) maximum upper leg flexion, (2) horizontal foot distance to touchdown, (3) full flexion from upper leg motion and (4) lower leg extension.
Assessment of items 1 through 3 reflect the performance quality of front-side mechanics. While high performance backside mechanics can be primarily associated with lower leg extension. Though linked with the latter, full leg recovery flexion and ankle cross were also observed but not quantified in this review.
Force application data, such as ground contact time and length were acquired through the same analysis. This resulted in the velocity measurement (K. Clark) shown on each screen shot. The raw video used throughout was recorded at 240 Hz.
The athlete shown below might also be described as one with good short speed ability and possible long sprinting potential. Certain key sprint attributes reveal better front and back side biomechanics which perhaps results in slightly faster short sprint results. However, to-date, the primary athlete in review has better performance results at the longer sprint distances.
Differences certainly exist between low or non-fatigue and fatigue states with these key sprinting attributes. Upper leg as well as lower leg motion performances degrade at varying degrees with the latter activity as shown in the video below.
However, it has been demonstrated that with using rudimentary drills, often used in warm-up activities, these motion qualities can be improved with the benefit of increased event performances. An example would be to reduce the lower leg extension angle...not maintaining a virtual straight leg to takeoff. This should help to improve full flexion and ankle crossing of the swing leg supporting better backside mechanics.
In addition, focus the attention during drills that would promote greater hip/thigh lift of the recovered leg...not "high knees." Modifying certain strength gaining routines could support better front side stability as well as force loading application. Exercises to reduce muscle slack would be a benefit as well.
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