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40m Sprint Test — Protocol, Norms and Application

40m Sprint Test — Protocol, Norms and Application

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(2026). 40m Sprint Test — Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, September 25, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/40m-sprint-test/

1 min read

Measures: Maksimal sprint hızı, ivmelenme kapasitesi

Table of Contents
  1. Protocol
  2. Formula
  3. Equipment Required
  4. Normative Values (Age: 18-25 (sporcular))
  5. Practical Applications
  6. Limitations

Difficulty: Orta  |  Category: Anaerobik

Protocol

The 40m Sprint Test is a fundamental field test for measuring maximal sprint speed and acceleration capacity. Applied in a free sprint format, it is particularly widely used in ball sports.

Preparation: A flat, firm 40-meter surface is marked. Photoelectric cells are placed at 0m and 40m; additional cells may also be placed at 10m and 20m. The participant warms up for 10–15 minutes with running, leg swing exercises, and 2–3 build-up runs. Footwear type (cleats, spikes, or standard) is noted.

Test Procedure: The participant stands ready behind the starting cone without breaking the photoelectric cell beam. They start when ready (or on verbal command if reaction time is not measured). They sprint 40 meters at maximum speed. After crossing the finish line, they decelerate gradually; sudden stopping should be avoided.

Trials: At least 2 trials are performed with 3–5 minutes of rest between; the best time is used.

Data Recording: Times for 0–10m, 0–20m, and 0–40m are recorded. Speed = distance/time formula is applied.

Analysis: Acceleration capacity can be separately assessed from 10m time, and maximal speed capacity from 20–40m time.

Post-Test: A slow running cool-down is performed. Results are compared to normative tables by sport and position.

Formula

Sprint hızı (m/s) = mesafe_m / süre_s; 0-10m: ivmelenme; 20-40m: maksimal hız fazı

Equipment Required

40m düz zemin veya pist, fotosel sistemi, koni

Normative Values (Age: 18-25 (sporcular))

Classification Male Female
Excellent <4.80 saniye <5.60 saniye
Good 4.80-5.20 saniye 5.60-6.00 saniye
Average 5.20-5.60 saniye 6.00-6.50 saniye
Below Average 5.60-6.00 saniye 6.50-7.00 saniye
Poor >6.00 saniye >7.00 saniye

Practical Applications

The 40m sprint test is a fundamental component in football player screening programs, athletics sprint training, and combined conditioning test batteries. Position-specific interpretation is important.

Limitations

Ground surface (grass, synthetic, concrete) significantly affects sprint times. Reliability of measurements with a hand stopwatch is low; photoelectric cells are essential.

Related Tests: 10m Sprint Test, Flying Sprint Test, RAST Test

Sources: Cronin JB & Hansen KT, 2005, J Strength Cond Res; Chaouachi A et al., 2010, J Strength Cond Res

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Key Facts
Protocol The 40m Sprint Test is a fundamental field test for measuring maximal sprint speed and acceleration capacity. Applied in a free sprint format, it is particularly widely used in ball sports. Preparation: A flat, firm 40-meter surface is marked. Photoelectric cells are placed at 0m and 40m; additional cells may also be placed at 10m and 20m. The participant warms up for 10–15 minutes with running, leg swing exercises, and 2–3 build-up runs. Footwear type (cleats, spikes, or standard) is noted. Test Procedure: The participant stands ready behind the starting cone without breaking the photoelectric cell beam. They start when ready (or on verbal command if reaction time is not measured). They sprint 40 meters at maximum speed. After crossing the finish line, they decelerate gradually; sudden stopping should be avoided. Trials: At least 2 trials are performed with 3–5 minutes of rest between; the best time is used. Data Recording: Times for 0–10m, 0–20m, and 0–40m are recorded. Speed = distance/time formula is applied. Analysis: Acceleration capacity can be separately assessed from 10m time, and maximal speed capacity from 20–40m time. Post-Test: A slow running cool-down is performed. Results are compared to normative tables by sport and position. Formula

Sprint hızı (m/s) = mesafe_m / süre_s; 0-10m: ivmelenme; 20-40m: maksimal hız fazı

Equipment Required

40m düz zemin veya pist, fotosel sistemi, koni

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Hüseyin Akbulut
WRITTEN BY
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc

Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science. He holds a Master's degree in Sport Sciences and writes for…