Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Flying 10m Sprint Test: Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, November 9, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/flying-10m-sprint-test/
Measures: Maximal sprint speed (flying, without acceleration)
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Moderate | Category: Anaerobic
Protocol
The Flying 10m Sprint Test allows participants to reach full speed before the measurement zone, measuring pure maximal speed capacity. The acceleration phase is completed with a 20–30m approach run, after which the critical 10m measurement is taken.
Preparation: A flat surface of at least 40–50m in length is prepared. Photoelectric cells are placed at the 20m and 30m points (10m measurement zone). The participant warms up comprehensively for 10–15 minutes with running, leg drills, and 2–3 build-up runs.
Test Procedure: The participant begins running from the starting point (20–30m before the photocell zone). The first 20–30m is the acceleration phase. Maximum speed should be achieved before entering the photocell zone. Time is taken in the 10m measurement zone. Deceleration follows after the finish.
Trials: 2–3 trials with 3–5 minutes of rest; the best time is used.
Calculation: Maximum velocity (m/s) = 10 / t_sec. km/h: (10 / t) × 3.6. World-class sprinters may achieve values >11 m/s (>40 km/h).
Post-Test: A slow running cool-down is performed. Flying sprint times are compared with standard sprint times to create a profile of maximal speed and acceleration capacity.
Formula
Vmax (m/s) = 10 / t_sec; Vmax (km/h) = (10 / t_sec) × 3.6
Equipment Required
30-50 m flat surface, timing gates (at 20 and 30 m), cones
Normative Values (Age: 18-30 (elite sprinters))
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | <0.85 sec (>11.8 m/s) | <0.95 sec (>10.5 m/s) |
| Good | 0.85-0.95 sec | 0.95-1.05 sec |
| Average | 0.95-1.05 sec | 1.05-1.20 sec |
| Below Average | 1.05-1.15 sec | 1.20-1.35 sec |
| Poor | >1.15 sec | >1.35 sec |
Practical Applications
This test is used by athletics sprint coaches and football speed development programs to monitor maximal speed capacity. It is ideal for observing changes in maximal speed between training periods.
Limitations
This test requires a photoelectric cell; reliable measurement with a hand stopwatch is not possible. Without adequate warm-up, hamstring injury risk increases.
Related Tests: 40m Sprint Test, 10m Sprint Test, Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST)
Sources: Haugen T & Buchheit M, 2016, Sports Med; Morin JB et al., 2012, J Biomech
Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science.
- 540pp THRESHOLD Book
- MSc Sport Sciences
- Marmara University
Protocol The Flying 10m Sprint Test allows participants to reach full speed before the measurement zone, measuring pure maximal speed capacity. The acceleration phase is completed with a 20–30m approach run, after which the critical 10m measurement is taken. Preparation: A flat surface of at least 40–50m in length is prepared. Photoelectric cells are placed at the 20m and 30m points (10m measurement zone). The participant warms up comprehensively for 10–15 minutes with running, leg drills, and 2–3 build-up runs. Test Procedure: The participant begins running from the starting point (20–30m before the photocell zone). The first 20–30m is the acceleration phase. Maximum speed should be achieved before entering the photocell zone. Time is taken in the 10m measurement zone. Deceleration follows after the finish. Trials: 2–3 trials with 3–5 minutes of rest; the best time is used. Calculation: Maximum velocity (m/s) = 10 / t_sec. km/h: (10 / t) × 3.6. World-class sprinters may achieve values >11 m/s (>40 km/h). Post-Test: A slow running cool-down is performed. Flying sprint times are compared with standard sprint times to create a profile of maximal speed and acceleration capacity. Formula
Vmax (m/s) = 10 / t_sec; Vmax (km/h) = (10 / t_sec) × 3.6
Equipment Required
30-50 m flat surface, timing gates (at 20 and 30 m), cones
