Even if we resolve the horizontal vs vertical debate, what’s the real problem, diminishing resources as the ATP (1-4secs) and ATP-CP (4-10secs)fade away or every decreasing GCTs that limit the time to produce force (RFD). I think it is both of these, primarily the latter. Someone above mentioned reaching higher Max V with lower acceleration rates; this seems to suggest some kind of energy conservation process, so maybe its the former. I do think that he who accelerates faster and longer wins, not necessarily he who reaches the highest Max V, although I would wager that >90% time both of these are accomplished by the same person.
I would wager the same as well. My point of contention is that the splits show that Bolt is accelerating at a faster rate for the entire race than Lewis, Johnsons, and pretty much every great pre low 9.7 era. While it may be a submax accel (whether controlled by body position, actual perceived effort, etc) it is still faster or as fast as what else is being done.
[quote author="Josh Hurlebaus" date="1339998618"]Mike has said in multiple presentations that today’s athletes are accelerating faster and further into the race than athletes in the past. ( Slide 47 – https://www.slideshare.net/hpcsport/breaking-barriers-to-sprint-performance)
I would wager that these same athletes are also reaching higher MaxV than in the past as well.
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They are, by between 0.01 and 0.02, but the difference is much less compared to the difference in acceleration throughout the first 60
[quote author="Josh Hurlebaus" date="1339998618"]So, my question has become this recently: why spend so much time focusing on flies and other extremely specific workouts meant to run at maximal velocity when it’s clear that its not maxV that is king, its developing a better and more efficient acceleration ability that wins races? (ignoring speed endurance for this sake of argument)
If acceleration is indeed the more important factor, what are some ideas for workouts designed to push the acceleration envelope, so to say? Early accel mechanics are clearly much different than later acceleration however force still needs to be applied to continue accelerating. This is also going to get into horizontal vs vertical forces as well. Regardless of which side you’re on, I would like ideas from both camps about this topic.
Ideas? Thoughts? I’m in a mood to ramble and brain storm.
Perhaps we need to look at and compare acceleration curves more closely. Where are the differences first apparent and most apparent? If you can produce an acceleration curve that more closely resembles that of a faster sprinter, you will obviously become faster yourself. The question then might be, where do you start? Can you improve the far end of the curve (terminal acceleration or Max V) before improving the earlier phases of acceleration?[/quote]
I would imagine that given the different qualities needed at near Vmax compared to early acceleration that the far end of the curve can be improved, or rather the curve and be prepped to be improved ie: increasing the qualities necessary, whatever they may be. But early acceleration still has to be worked and made as efficient as possible or else those near max qualities are going to be wasted or not able to be used properly.