Effect of Different Sprint Training Methods on Sprint Performance Over Various Distances

Abstract

Linear sprinting speed is an essential physical quality for many athletes. There are a number of different training modalities that can be used to improve sprint performance. Strength and conditioning coaches must select the most appropriate modalities for their athletes, taking into consideration the sprint distances that typically occur during competition. The study purpose was to perform a brief review as to the effect of specific (free sprinting; resisted sprinting by sleds, bands, or incline running; assisted sprinting with a towing device or a downhill slope), nonspecific (resistance and plyometric training), and combined (a combination of specific and nonspecific) training methods on different sprint distances (0-10, 0-20, 0-30, and 31+ m). A total of 48 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, resulting in 1,485 subjects from a range of athletic backgrounds. The training effects associated with specific sprint training were classified as moderate (effect size [ES] = -1.00; %change = -3.23). Generally, the effect of specific sprint training tended to decrease with distance, although the largest training effects were observed for the 31+ m distance. The greatest training effects (ES = -0.43; %change = -1.65) of nonspecific training were observed for the 31+ m distance. The combined training revealed greatest effects (ES = -0.59; %change = -2.81) for the 0-10 m distance. After this review, specific sprint training methods seem the most beneficial over the investigated distances. However, the implementation of nonspecific training methods (e.g., strength and power training) could also benefit speed and athletic performance.

Short-term adaptations following Complex Training in team-sports: A meta-analysis

“…Research has shown that resistance training performed with heavy loads as well as programs using light or optimal loads, plyometric training and ballistic exercises lead to increments in maximal power outputs [1], VJ [3, 11–13] and sprint performance [2, 3, 13, 14]. Traditional heavy resistance strength training results in increments in maximal strength and power by targeting mainly the force component of the power equation (power = force x velocity) [1, 15].…”

Influence of resisted sled‐push training on the sprint force‐velocity profile of male high school athletes

“…Sprint‐specific training can be defined as training that is specific to the movement patterns and direction of sprinting, whereas non–sprint‐specific training typically includes different forms of resistance, plyometrics, and combined training primarily in a vertical plane of motion. Sprint‐specific training has largely proven more effective than non–sprint‐specific training, with the greatest effects generally observed over shorter distance acceleration . One such method of sprint‐specific training is to push or pull a resistive load in a horizontal plane of motion known as resisted sled training.…”

“…Sprint-specific training has largely proven more effective than non-sprint-specific training, with the greatest effects generally observed over shorter distance acceleration. 7,8 One such method of sprint-specific training is to push or pull a resistive load in a horizontal plane of motion known as resisted sled training. Resisted sled training has been shown to be more effective in the acceleration phase compared to the max velocity phase of sprinting.…”

Untitled

“…Thus, a "speed barrier" or "speed plateau" (Korchemny, 1985, p. 41; Ozolin, 1978, p. 55; Schiffer, 2011, p. 7) are being created, which overcoming is the condition of sporting achievements progress. Counteracting to stabilization of motor skills may be implemented through different approaches and additional training tools (Arakelyan, 1970;Bailey et al, 2005;Cissik, 2011;Ilyin, 2002;Gibala 2007;Gonzalez & Beckwith, 2009;Gonzalez et al, 2011;Mehrikadze, 1997;Rumpf et al, 2016;Sergeev, 1999;Sheppard 2004;Schiffer, 2011):…”

“…Thus, a "speed barrier" or "speed plateau" (Korchemny, 1985, p. 41; Ozolin, 1978, p. 55; Schiffer, 2011, p. 7) are being created, which overcoming is the condition of sporting achievements progress. Counteracting to stabilization of motor skills may be implemented through different approaches and additional training tools (Arakelyan, 1970;Bailey et al, 2005;Cissik, 2011;Ilyin, 2002;Gibala 2007;Gonzalez & Beckwith, 2009;Gonzalez et al, 2011;Mehrikadze, 1997;Rumpf et al, 2016;Sergeev, 1999;Sheppard 2004;Schiffer, 2011):• running performed by means of changes in intensity, intervals length and intervals of relaxing;• complication and facilitation of running;• running performed in special conditions using training simulators;• performing excercises, structuraly different to running (excercises with weights, jumping, local action tools);• an interface of technical and motor quality training. Total disadvantages of the above mentioned approaches and additional training tools are:…”