FACTOR ANALYSIS OF SPRINT PHASES ON THE SPEED CURVE OF THE 100M DASH

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that the speed curve of the 100m dash consists of some distinct phases which can be used to analyze an athlete's performance. The purpose of this study was to introduce a method using a portable computer as a device for the measurement of sprint time and the illustration of the speed curve, and to clarify a simple model of sprint phases on the factor structure. Based on the data of 133 participants, principal factor solution was given to the correlation matrix, and varimax rotation was applied to simplify the factorial structure of sprint phases. Finally, two factors were extracted and interpreted. It is suggested that this method is useful for measurement and evaluation in the 100m dash, and that a simple model of sprint phases may be explained by these two factors. These findings are important in predicting the ability of 100m sprinters and in considering coaching methods in terms of technique, training, strategy, etc.