Abstract
The primary purpose of this study was to determine if a difference existed between peak speed attained when performing a sprint with maximal acceleration versus from a gradual build-up. Additionally, this investigation sought to compare the actual peak speed achieved when instructed to reach 75% and 90% of maximum speed. Field sport athletes (n = 21) performed sprints over 60 m under the experimental conditions, and the peak speed was assessed with a radar gun. The gradual build-up to maximum speed (8.30 ± 0.40 m∙s−1) produced the greater peak speed (effect size = 0.3, small) than the maximum acceleration run (8.18 ± 0.40 m∙s−1), and the majority of participants (62%) followed this pattern. For the sub-maximum runs, the actual mean percentage of maximum speed reached was 78 ± 6% for the 75% prescribed run and 89 ± 5% for the 90% prescription. The errors in attaining the prescribed peak speeds were large (~15%) for certain individuals, especially for the 75% trial. Sprint training for maximum speed should be performed with a gradual build-up of speed rather than a maximum acceleration. For sub-maximum interval training, the ability to attain the prescribed target peak speed can be challenging for field sport athletes, and therefore where possible, feedback on peak speeds reached should be provided after each repetition.
Highlights
The ability to accelerate in relatively short sprints and to repeat sprint efforts are considered important in field sports such as various football codes [1]
Between the maximum speedacceleration achieved when for difference the maximum during the gradual and maximal are 2 shows the(8.30 actual running speeds expressed as am∙s percentage maximum speed
The primary objectives of this study were to determine: (i) whether higher sprinting speeds are reached during a gradual buildup versus a maximal acceleration start; and (ii) if relevant differences reached during a gradual buildup versus a maximal acceleration start; and (ii) if relevant differences existed between prescribed and actual speeds during submaximal running
Summary
The ability to accelerate in relatively short sprints and to repeat sprint efforts are considered important in field sports such as various football codes [1]. While the aforementioned argument may hold true for sprints performed from a stationary start, in field sports it is more common for sprints to begin from a moving start such as a walk or run [5,6,7,8]. In one study investigating the effect of pre-sprint speed on the distance required to reach maximum or near maximum speed [9], twelve semi-elite Australian football players were required to sprint maximally for 60 m while running speed was recorded continuously.
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