---
title: "Performing a Force Velocity Run"
slug: "performing-a-force-velocity-run"
updated: 2026-02-04T22:31:37Z
published: 2026-02-04T22:31:37Z
canonical: "docs.1080motion.com/performing-a-force-velocity-run"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.1080motion.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Performing a Force Velocity Run

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**
  - 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* ($\tau$, or *tau*).

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

The table below provides and overview of recommended distances required with different combinations of these two variables. Shorter runs might work, but the quality of the calculation may go down.

|  | $\tau=1.1s$ | $\tau=1.2s$ | $\tau=1.3s$ | $\tau=1.4s$ | $\tau=1.5s$ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 7 m/s | 23.2 | 25.4 | 27.5 | 29.6 | 31.7 |
| 8 m/s | 26.6 | 29.0 | 31.4 | 33.8 | 36.2 |
| 9 m/s | 29.9 | 32.6 | 35.3 | 38.0 | 40.7 |
| 10 m/s | 33.2 | 36.2 | 39.2 | 42.3 | 45.3 |
| 11 m/s | 36.5 | 39.8 | 43.2 | 46.5 | 49.8 |
| 12 m/s | 39.8 | 43.5 | 47.1 | 50.7 | 54.3 |