Sprint Photo Sequence
The photo sequence was taken during a heat of the 200 metres in the A.A.A. Championships in 1990. Physically, it can be seen that John Regis is well prepared, especially in the area often neglected by sprinters and their coaches, the trunk and the shoulders.
His running is relaxed and smooth, with no sign of tension in the upper body. The trunk carriage is upright. Tension usually increases in a close run final where sprinters are under attack from others, but athletes must use try to prevent this happening.
John's shoulders are held fixed throughout the sequence, with little lateral movement. The arms travel through a good range. The backward drive of each elbow is evident and compliments the drive of the opposite leg.
Although it cannot be seen in the photo sequence, leg movement is quick and light. Each knee almost reaches hip height, achieving the good "high knees" position all sprinters look for. The leg drive, the all-important active aspect of the sequence of the leg cycle, is excellent. Coaches and athletes must understand that this develops from all aspects of preparation, not just from technique practices. The development of speed, strength, mobility and stamina all play their part in producing the ultimate technique.
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SprintingTraining for Sprinting, Speed and Acceleration devotes over 80 pages of cutting edge analysis to this core element of sporting success. It is not just in athletics where sprinting and acceleration are vital. Just think of the advantages other sportsmen have because of their extra pace: Thierry Henry in football, Bryan Habana in rugby and Allen Iverson in basketball |
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Associated Pages
The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:
- Sprint Technique
- Sprint Photo Sequence
- Sprint Warm up Drills
- Sprint Starts
- Setting up the Starting Blocks
- Sprint Relay
- 100 metres Training
- 200 metres Training
- 300 metres Training
- 400 metres Training
- Planning the Training - 6 stages of development
- Find a Coach
- Sport/Event specific articles
Associated Books
The following books provide more information related to this topic:
- Sprints and Relays, F. W. Dick
- Sprinting and Hurdling, P. Warden
- How to Teach Track Events, M. Arnold