Force/velocity profiling in sprinting is a method used to measure how an athlete's ability to produce force changes as they gain speed during the acceleration phase. It may help identify whether a sprinter is more force-dominant (stronger start) or velocity-dominant (better top speed) by analyzing key metrics like horizontal force application, acceleration, velocity and power.
This information may allow coaches to tailor training to determine which qualities to target in training —whether that means building strength and force capacities for a more explosive start or enhancing speed mechanics for better top-end performance.
The quality of a force velocity profile depends on the quality of data input from testing or training. Make sure you follow the guidelines when performing the runs.
The calculated force velocity profile is only as good as its input data. Therefore, it is very important to follow and be consistent with data collection.
Set Up the Test
- Choose a flat, non-slippery surface (e.g., track or turf).
- Ensure the athlete performs a proper warm-up before testing.
- Machine settings:
- Load: 1-3kg (See suggested loads below)
- Speed: resisted speed 14 m/s and assisted speed > 1.5 m/s
- Resistance setting: NFW (No Flying Weight)
Sprint Trials
- Have the athlete sprint from a static start position (no rolling starts).
- Make sure that the sprint is a max effort throughout.
- Ensure that the sprint is long enough to allow the athlete to reach their top speed and plateau out.
- For most, this is 30-40m but for exceptionally fast sprinters it may be longer. See table below for more details.
How heavy a load should I use?
The software requires a load between 1-3kg.
| Max Speed | Recommended Load |
|---|---|
| < 6.5 m/s or 15 mph | 1-2 kg |
| >6.5 m/s or 15 mph | 3 kg |
How long should I run?
The required distance depends on both the runner's top speed and their acceleration ability (
Therefore, it's not possible to give a recommended distance that works for everyone. Instead, these guidelines can be used:
- Young athletes: 20-25m
- Professional team sport: 25-35m
- Olympic sprinter: 45-55m
For the entire overview of FVP measurements, click this link to go deeper into insights. Here we cover what different outputs of data quality mean.