What Makes a Good Sprinter?
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What Makes a Good Sprinter? |
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1. Fast-twitch muscle fibres (duh)
Fast-twitch muscle fibres in the human body are necessary for sprinting because they:
a) can store more phosphocreatine and muscle glycogen
(INSTANT ENERGY) than slow-twitch fibres,
b) have greater ability than st fibres to metabolize
intra-muscular energy stores,
c) are of larger diameter (MORE POWER) than st fibres,
and
d) have greater growth potential than st fibres,
A
gifted sprinter may have a muscular composition of 80% (or more) ft fibres and
only 20% st fibres, whereas a
marathoner could have the opposite proportions. This
muscular composition is almost entirely determined by
genetics, but persistent sprint training has been shown to
effect small increases in %ft fibres.
2. Explosive power and superior neuromuscular speed
-full-body power for the starts
-powerful legs capable of producing a ground impulse of 3.5
times body weight (vertical force) in 0.08-0.09s.
-powerful arms and upper body to provide equal and opposite
action to the horizontal movement of the legs.
-superior contraction-relaxation cycling capabilities of the
leg muscles.
-hamstrings proportionally stronger than quadriceps.
(Only a few of the world's best have this quality!)
3. Very strong core
-excellent muscular support of the pelvis and spine.
4. Flexibility and Relaxibility
-excellent hip flexibility.
-absence of chronic injury or scar tissue (which can diminish
flexibility).
-ability to consciously release muscular tension.
-ability to sprint relaxed.
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Amazing Facts from www.atoboldon.com : In all of history, a
total of 36 men have run 100 metres in under 10 seconds.
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**All Page Header & Footer Photos from: www.qatar.net.qa/sport
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