Introduction
Understand what the 1080 Sprint does, how to test reliably, and how to prescribe resisted and assisted sprint training.
The 1080 Sprint is a motorized resistance and assistance system built to improve sprint performance with precision. Unlike sleds, bands, or fixed-resistance tools, it uses a computer-controlled motor and tether to apply resistance or assistance while athletes run, cut, or jump — with complete control over load, direction, and measurement.
System Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Resistance range (resisted/concentric) | 1–50 kg |
| Assistance range (assisted/eccentric) | 1–60 kg |
| Max speed | 14 m/s (31 mph) |
| Tether length (standard) | 120 m |
Note: Loads of 25–50 kg resisted require the included pulley (max speed 7 m/s or 15.5 mph) when using a 1080 Sprint 2. Loads 16-30 require the incluced pulley (max speed 7 m/s or 15.5 mph) when using a 1080 Sprint 1.
What Coaches Can Do
- Individualize loading in real time — session to session and athlete to athlete.
- Overload acceleration or top speed safely under controlled conditions.
- Measure performance objectively — velocity, force, power, and time — so decisions are based on data, not guesswork.
Advanced capabilities include variable loading (constant or variable based on goal), assisted overload (supramaximal speed exposure), and speed-controlled resistance (eccentric emphasis or isokinetic-style constraints).
Keys to Reliable Testing & Training
Consistency is the foundation of valid data. Follow these five principles every session:
- Setup & Surface — Secure the unit on a stable surface every session.
- Warm-Up Order — Use a standardized warm-up before every session.
- Consistent Protocol — Same distances, loads, and rest across all tests.
- Model Awareness — Sprint model and software version affect workflow.
- Repeatability — Same cues, start position, and timing for every athlete.
High-quality speed work is not conditioning. Keep each session focused: dynamic warm-up first, sprint when athletes are fresh, full recovery between reps, one specific adaptation per session, every rep at max intent.
1080 Sprint Assessments
Three levels — start simple, add depth over time.
Level 1. Quick Baseline Test
The fastest way to start: a resisted sprint with a set load and distance. Provides top speed, split times (e.g., 0–5 m), and total time. Best for quick check-ins.
Level 2. Standardized Resisted Sprint (recommended starting point)
Example: 30 m at 3 kg. Captures the full acceleration phase and produces deeper metrics (force–velocity outputs, step-based analysis) stored to the athlete profile in the web app.
Level 3. Load–Velocity Profile (LVP)
Run 3 loads at different distances to build an individual force–velocity profile. Save it to the athlete profile and use velocity-decrement targets to prescribe every future training load automatically.
| Load | Distance |
|---|---|
| 3 kg | 30 m |
| 6–8 kg | 25 m |
| 12–14 kg | 20 m |
Take full recovery between each load.
Distance Selection Guide
| Distance | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 10 m | Early acceleration & first-step outcomes |
| 20–30 m | Later acceleration & LVP testing |
| 30–40 m | Max velocity development |
| Custom | Start-to-stop: acceleration + deceleration (e.g., 10 m ADA) |
Minimum load: Use at least 3 kg for running. Loads below 3 kg can allow line sway at high speed and reduce force measurement quality.
Training Example 1: Improve Acceleration (Resisted)
Athlete profile: Low horizontal force (F₀), good velocity potential (V₀) — a “force-deficient” athlete. The goal is to improve early acceleration force (0–10 m) using resisted sprint training.
Load selection: Target a moderate-to-heavy resistance that achieves a 40–60% velocity decrement (Vdec) — matching the load to the athlete’s individual LVP, not a fixed kg value.
| Session Parameter | Example |
|---|---|
| Distance | 10–15 m |
| Load | ~22 kg (targets ~50% Vdec at 4.0 m/s) |
| Reps | 4–6 |
| Sets | 2–3 |
| Rest | 2–3 min between reps (full quality recovery) |
4–6 week progression: Re-test and adjust loads using the updated LVP after each block. Progress by slightly increasing load, improving sprint quality, or shifting from very heavy to moderate resistance as acceleration improves.
Training Example 2: Improve Top Speed (Assisted)
Athlete profile: Strong early acceleration but limited max velocity — a “velocity-deficient” athlete. The goal is to expose the athlete to supramaximal speed using assisted sprint training.
Key principle: Assistance lets the athlete experience faster-than-normal speed while maintaining mechanics. Target a controlled velocity gain of +3–5% above max velocity — not extreme towing. Start conservative and increase in 0.1–0.5 kg increments.
| Session Parameter | Example |
|---|---|
| Build-up zone | 20–30 m |
| Assisted zone | 20–30 m |
| Load | ~3 kg assistance (starting conservative) |
| Reps | 2–3 |
| Sets | 1–2 |
| Rest | 5+ min (full neural recovery) |
Weeks 1–2: +1–3% above max velocity. Technical exposure — let the athlete feel the speed.
Weeks 3–4: +3–5% above max velocity. Neural + elastic stimulus — confirm transfer periodically without assistance.
Coaching cue: If posture, front-side mechanics, or foot strike quality breaks down, the assistance is too high. Reduce it immediately.
Learn More & Get Started
- Documentation: docs.1080motion.com — full setup guides, testing protocols, and software walkthroughs.
- Video & Training: youtube.com/@1080Motion — webinars, tutorials, and applied sport training examples.