CHANGES IN SPLIT VELOCITIES DURING SPRINT PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Sprint times and split velocities are invaluable measures for coaches and athletes monitoring sprint training and performance development. This study analysed sprint times and 10 m split velocities as performance of three developing athletes developed over a five week training period. All significantly improved their 60 m sprint times over the training period (p < 0.05). Sprint performance developed individually with a tendency for maximal velocities to increase early in the training period and start and acceleration velocities later. All athletes’ performances fluctuated between weeks, possibly due to a period of experimental learning in their process of skill development. This study will inform further analysis of the kinematic and kinetic parameters determining velocity, with the aim of identifying the key variables responsible for these changes.