[hlnx1]

Maximum sprint speed is mainly about how much force is applied to the ground in a very short contact time. Technique cues help, but they serve this underlying principle.

• At top speed, ground contact times are very short, often around a tenth of a second in fast sprinters
• Faster sprinters tend to apply greater vertical force relative to body mass during that brief contact
• Upright posture, front-side mechanics (knees driving forward and up) and a foot landing close beneath the hips are common technical themes
• Stride length and stride frequency both matter, and their balance differs between athletes

Background: sprint physics and maximum velocity training.

Which sprint cues have helped you most?

[hlnx1]

Top-speed work is best done fresh, with long rests. Flying sprints are a classic method: 20-30 m build-up, then 10-30 m at maximal speed, with 3-5 minutes rest. Four to six reps are often enough.

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