The Relationship Between Dynamic Stability and Multidirectional Speed.

Lockie, RG, Schultz, AB, Callaghan, SJ, and Jeffriess, MD. The relationship between dynamic stability and multidirectional speed. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3033-3043, 2016-Dynamic stability is said to contribute to multidirectional (linear and change-of-direction) speed, although little research confirms this. This study analyzed the relationship between dynamic stability as measured by lower-limb functional reaching in 6 directions (anterolateral, lateral, posterolateral, posteromedial, medial, and anteromedial) within a modified star excursion balance test and multidirectional speed (40-m sprint: 0-10, 0-20, and 0-40 m intervals; T-test; change-of-direction and acceleration test [CODAT]). Sixteen male field sport athletes (age, 23.31 ± 5.34 years; height, 1.78 ± 0.07 m; mass, 80.60 ± 9.89 kg) completed testing. A 1-way analysis of variance determined significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in excursions between faster and slower subjects. All data were pooled for a Spearman's correlation analysis (p ≤ 0.05). Faster subjects had greater left leg medial reach (76.24 ± 5.33 vs. 65.94 ± 10.75%), right leg posteromedial reach (85.20 ± 8.07 vs. 73.59 ± 12.64%), and a smaller between-leg difference in lateral reach (2.26 ± 1.85 vs. 6.46 ± 4.29%). Longer reach distances (greater dynamic stability) correlated with faster speed test times (ρ = -0.499 to 0.664). Dynamic stability relationships were pronounced for the change-of-direction speed tests. For example, smaller between-leg excursion differences in anterolateral, lateral, posterolateral, and posteromedial reaches related to faster T-test and CODAT times (ρ = 0.502-0.804). There is a relationship between dynamic stability as measured by functional reaching and multidirectional speed in field sport athletes, possibly because of similarities in movement demands and muscle recruitment. Dynamic stability training could strengthen muscles for multidirectional sprinting and develop functional joint motion.

Effects of Preventative Ankle Taping on Planned Change-of-Direction and Reactive Agility Performance and Ankle Muscle Activity in Basketballers.

This study investigated the effects of preventative ankle taping on planned change-of-direction and reactive agility performance and peak ankle muscle activity in basketballers. Twenty male basketballers (age = 22.30 ± 3.97 years; height = 1.84 ± 0.09 meters; body mass = 85.96 ± 11.88 kilograms) with no ankle pathologies attended two testing sessions. Within each session, subjects completed six planned and six reactive randomized trials (three to the left and three to the right for each condition) of the Y-shaped agility test, which was recorded by timing lights. In one session, subjects had both ankles un-taped. In the other, both ankles were taped using a modified subtalar sling. Peak tibialis anterior, peroneus longus (PL), peroneus brevis (PB), and soleus muscle activity was recorded for both the inside and outside legs across stance phase during the directional change, which was normalized against 10-meter sprint muscle activity (nEMG). Both the inside and outside cut legs during the change-of-direction step were investigated. Repeated measures ANOVA determined performance time and nEMG differences between un-taped and taped conditions. There were no differences in planned change-of-direction or reactive agility times between the conditions. Inside cut leg PL nEMG decreased when taped for the planned left, reactive left, and reactive right cuts (p = 0.01). Outside leg PB and soleus nEMG increased during the taped planned left cut (p = 0.02). There were no other nEMG changes during the cuts with taping. Taping did not affect change-of-direction or agility performance. Inside leg PL activity was decreased, possibly due to the tape following the line of muscle action. This may reduce the kinetic demand for the PL during cuts. In conclusion, ankle taping did not significantly affect planned change-of-direction or reactive agility performance, and did not demonstrate large changes in activity of the muscle complex in healthy basketballers. Key pointsAnkle taping using the modified subtalar sling will not affect planned change-of-direction or reactive agility performance as measured by the Y-shaped agility test in healthy male basketball players.Ankle taping using the modified subtalar sling will also generally not affect the activity of the muscles about the ankle. There was some indication for reductions in the activity of the PL in the inside leg of certain cuts.The tape used for the modified subtalar sling may have supported the line of action of the PL, which could reduce the kinetic demand placed on this muscle, and provide a potential fatigue-reducing component for cutting actions.The subtalar sling taping of the ankle in healthy basketball players did not have any adverse effects on the muscle activity of the ankle-foot complex during planned change-of-direction or reactive agility performance tasks.

Certain Actions from the Functional Movement Screen Do Not Provide an Indication of Dynamic Stability.

Dynamic stability is an essential physical component for team sport athletes. Certain Functional Movement Screen (FMS) exercises (deep squat; left- and right-leg hurdle step; left- and right-leg in-line lunge [ILL]; left- and right-leg active straight-leg raise; and trunk stability push-up [TSPU]) have been suggested as providing an indication of dynamic stability. No research has investigated relationships between these screens and an established test of dynamic stability such as the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT), which measures lower-limb reach distance in posteromedial, medial, and anteromedial directions, in team sport athletes. Forty-one male and female team sport athletes completed the screens and the mSEBT. Participants were split into high-, intermediate-, and low-performing groups according to the mean of the excursions when both the left and right legs were used for the mSEBT stance. Any between-group differences in the screens and mSEBT were determined via a one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc adjustment (p < 0.05). Data was pooled for a correlation analysis (p < 0.05). There were no between-group differences in any of the screens, and only two positive correlations between the screens and the mSEBT (TSPU and right stance leg posteromedial excursion, r = 0.37; left-leg ILL and left stance leg posteromedial excursion, r = 0.46). The mSEBT clearly indicated participants with different dynamic stability capabilities. In contrast to the mSEBT, the selected FMS exercises investigated in this study have a limited capacity to identify dynamic stability in team sport athletes.

Kinematics of Faster Acceleration Performance of the Quick Single in Experienced Cricketers.

The introduction of the shorter match formats for cricket (i.e., Twenty20) requires batsmen to be proficient in sprint acceleration to increase run scoring potential. Therefore, the study aim was to identify the kinematics of faster acceleration performance of nonstriking batsmen when completing a quick single. Eighteen experienced male cricketers currently playing cricket in a regional competition in Australia completed 17.68-m sprints using a match-specific start (walking start, bat dragged through crease, leg guards worn). Timing gates recorded the 0-5 and 0-17.68 m time. Joint and step kinematics were analyzed through the first and second steps through 3-dimensional motion analysis. Subjects were split into faster and slower groups according to 0- to 5-m time, and a 1-way analysis of variance determined significant (p ≤ 0.05) between-group differences. Effect sizes and Pearson's correlations (r) were also calculated. The faster group was significantly quicker for the 0-5 and 0-17.68 m intervals and had a 10% longer first, and 11% longer second, step. Second step swing leg hip adduction was 23% greater in the faster group. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.647) was found between second step drive leg extension and 0- to 5-m time. Batsmen should cover the initial 5 m of a quick single in the shortest time possible to increase the likelihood of a successful run. This is aided by longer first and second steps and increased hip adduction to transition into normal sprint technique. Step length development should be a key consideration for coaches attempting to improve quick single performance.

Can selected functional movement screen assessments be used to identify movement deficiencies that could affect multidirectional speed and jump performance?

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) includes lower-body focused tests (deep squat [DS], hurdle step, in-line lunge) that could assist in identifying movement deficiencies affecting multidirectional sprinting and jumping, which are important qualities for team sports. However, the hypothesized relationship with athletic performance lacks supportive research. This study investigated relationships between the lower-body focused screens and overall FMS performance and multidirectional speed and jumping capabilities in team sport athletes. Twenty-two healthy men were assessed in the FMS, and multidirectional speed (0- to 5-m, 0- to 10-m, 0- to 20-m sprint intervals; 505 and between-leg turn differences, modified T-test and differences between initial movement to the left or right); and bilateral and unilateral multidirectional jumping (vertical [VJ], standing long [SLJ], and lateral jump) tests. Pearson's correlations (r) were used to calculate relationships between screening scores and performance tests (p ≤ 0.05). After the determination of any screens relating to athletic performance, subjects were stratified into groups (3 = high-performing group; 2 = intermediate-performing group; 1 = low-performing group) to investigate movement compensations. A 1-way analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05) determined any between-group differences. There were few significant correlations. The DS did moderately correlate with between-leg 505 difference (r = -0.423), and bilateral VJ (r = -0.428) and SLJ (r = -0.457). When stratified into groups according to DS score, high performers had a 13% greater SLJ when compared with intermediate performers, which was the only significant result. The FMS seems to have minimal capabilities for identifying movement deficiencies that could affect multidirectional speed and jumping in male team sport athletes.

Interaction Between Leg Muscle Performance and Sprint Acceleration Kinematics.

This study investigated relationships between 10 m sprint acceleration, step kinematics (step length and frequency, contact and flight time), and leg muscle performance (power, stiffness, strength). Twenty-eight field sport athletes completed 10 m sprints that were timed and filmed. Velocity and step kinematics were measured for the 0-5, 5-10, and 0-10 m intervals to assess acceleration. Leg power was measured via countermovement jumps (CMJ), a five-bound test (5BT), and the reactive strength index (RSI) defined by 40 cm drop jumps. Leg stiffness was measured by bilateral and unilateral hopping. A three-repetition maximum squat determined strength. Pearson's correlations and stepwise regression (p ≤ 0.05) determined velocity, step kinematics, and leg muscle performance relationships. CMJ height correlated with and predicted velocity in all intervals (r = 0.40-0.54). The 5BT (5-10 and 0-10 m intervals) and RSI (5-10 m interval) also related to velocity (r = 0.37-0.47). Leg stiffness did not correlate with acceleration kinematics. Greater leg strength related to and predicted lower 0-5 m flight times (r = -0.46 to -0.51), and a longer 0-10 m step length (r = 0.38). Although results supported research emphasizing the value of leg power and strength for acceleration, the correlations and predictive relationships (r(2) = 0.14-0.29) tended to be low, which highlights the complex interaction between sprint technique and leg muscle performance. Nonetheless, given the established relationships between speed, leg power and strength, strength and conditioning coaches should ensure these qualities are expressed during acceleration in field sport athletes.

Relationship between unilateral jumping ability and asymmetry on multidirectional speed in team-sport athletes.

Relationship between unilateral jumping ability and asymmetry on multidirectional speed in team-sport athletes. J Strength Cond Res 28(12): 3557-3566, 2014-The influence of unilateral jump performance, and between-leg asymmetries, on multidirectional speed has not been widely researched. This study analyzed how speed was related to unilateral jumping. Multidirectional speed was measured by 20-m sprint (0-5, 0-10, 0-20-m intervals), left- and right-leg turn 505, and modified T-test performance. Unilateral jump performance, and between-leg asymmetries, was measured by vertical (VJ), standing broad (SBJ), and lateral (LJ) jumping. Thirty male team-sport athletes (age = 22.60 ± 3.86 years; height = 1.80 ± 0.07 m; mass = 79.03 ± 12.26 kilograms) were recruited. Pearson's correlations (r) determined speed and jump performance relationships; stepwise regression ascertained jump predictors of speed (p ≤ 0.05). Subjects were divided into lesser and greater asymmetry groups from each jump condition. A 1-way analysis of variance found between-group differences (p ≤ 0.05). Left-leg VJ correlated with the 0-10 and 0-20-m intervals (r = -0.437 to -0.486). Right-leg VJ correlated with all sprint intervals and the T-test (r = -0.380 to -0.512). Left-leg SBJ and LJ correlated with all tests (r = -0.370 to -0.729). Right-leg SBJ and LJ related to all except the left-leg turn 505 (r = -0.415 to -0.650). Left-leg SBJ predicted the 20-m sprint. Left-leg LJ predicted the 505 and T-test. Regardless of the asymmetry used to form groups, no differences in speed were established. Horizontal and LJ performance related to multidirectional speed. Athletes with asymmetries similar to this study (VJ = ∼10%; SBJ = ∼3%; LJ = ∼5%) should not experience speed detriments.

Acceleration kinematics in cricketers: implications for performance in the field.

Cricket fielding often involves maximal acceleration to retrieve the ball. There has been no analysis of acceleration specific to cricketers, or for players who field primarily in the infield (closer to the pitch) or outfield (closer to the boundary). This study analyzed the first two steps of a 10-m sprint in experienced cricketers. Eighteen males (age = 24.06 ± 4.87 years; height = 1.81 ± 0.06 m; mass = 79.67 ± 10.37 kg) were defined as primarily infielders (n = 10) or outfielders (n = 8). Timing lights recorded 0-5 and 0-10 m time. Motion capture measured first and second step kinematics, including: step length; step frequency; contact time; shoulder motion; lead and rear arm elbow angle; drive leg hip and knee extension, and ankle plantar flexion; swing leg hip and knee flexion, and ankle dorsi flexion. A one-way analysis of variance (p < 0.05) determined between-group differences. Data was pooled for a Pearson's correlation analysis (p < 0.05) to analyze kinematic relationships. There were no differences in sprint times, and few variables differentiated infielders and outfielders. Left shoulder range of motion related to second step length (r = 0.471). First step hip flexion correlated with both step lengths (r = 0.570-0.598), and frequencies (r = -0.504--0.606). First step knee flexion related to both step lengths (r = 0.528-0.682), and first step frequency (r = -0.669). First step ankle plantar flexion correlated with second step length (r = -0.692) and frequency (r = 0.726). Greater joint motion ranges related to longer steps. Cricketers display similar sprint kinematics regardless of fielding position, likely because players may field in the infield or outfield depending on match situation. Due to relationships with shoulder and leg motion, and the importance and trainability of step length, cricketers should target this variable to enhance acceleration. Key PointsRegardless of whether cricketers field predominantly in the infield or outfield, they will produce relatively similar sprint acceleration kinematics. This is likely due to the fact that cricketers will often field in both areas of the cricket ground, depending on the requirements of the match.Due to the complexity of sprint acceleration, there were relatively few significant correlations between technique variables. However, step length had positive relationships with shoulder range of motion, swing leg hip and knee flexion, and drive leg ankle plantar flexion.As previous research has established the importance of step length to acceleration, as well as the trainability of this kinematic variable, training specifically to improve step length could lead to enhanced sprint acceleration in cricketers.

Planned and reactive agility performance in semiprofessional and amateur basketball players.

CONTEXT: Research indicates that planned and reactive agility are different athletic skills. These skills have not been adequately assessed in male basketball players. PURPOSE: To define whether 10-m-sprint performance and planned and reactive agility measured by the Y-shaped agility test can discriminate between semiprofessional and amateur basketball players. METHODS: Ten semiprofessional and 10 amateur basketball players completed 10-m sprints and planned- and reactive-agility tests. The Y-shaped agility test involved subjects sprinting 5 m through a trigger timing gate, followed by a 45° cut and 5-m sprint to the left or right through a target gate. In the planned condition, subjects knew the cut direction. For reactive trials, subjects visually scanned to find the illuminated gate. A 1-way analysis of variance (P < .05) determined between-groups differences. Data were pooled (N = 20) for a correlation analysis (P < .05). RESULTS: The reactive tests differentiated between the groups; semiprofessional players were 6% faster for the reactive left (P = .036) and right (P = .029) cuts. The strongest correlations were between the 10-m sprints and planned-agility tests (r = .590-.860). The reactive left cut did not correlate with the planned tests. The reactive right cut moderately correlated with the 10-m sprint and planned right cut (r = .487-.485). CONCLUSIONS: The results reemphasized that planned and reactive agility are separate physical qualities. Reactive agility discriminated between the semiprofessional and amateur basketball players; planned agility did not. To distinguish between male basketball players of different ability levels, agility tests should include a perceptual and decision-making component.

The effects of traditional and enforced stopping speed and agility training on multidirectional speed and athletic function.

This study investigated the effects of a traditional speed and agility training program (TSA) and an enforced stopping program emphasizing deceleration (ESSA). Twenty college-aged team sport athletes (16 males, 4 females) were allocated into the training groups. Pretesting and posttesting included: 0-10, 0-20, 0-40 m sprint intervals, change-of-direction, and acceleration test (CODAT), T-test (multidirectional speed); vertical, standing broad, lateral, and drop jumps, medicine ball throw (power); Star Excursion Balance Test (posteromedial, medial, anteromedial reaches; dynamic stability); and concentric (240° · s(-1)) and eccentric (30° · s(-1)) knee extensor and flexor isokinetic testing (unilateral strength). Both groups completed a 6-week speed and agility program. The ESSA subjects decelerated to a stop within a specified distance in each drill. A repeated measures analysis of variance determined significant (p ≤ 0.05) within- and between-group changes. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated. The TSA group improved all speed tests (d = 0.29-0.96), and most power tests (d = 0.57-1.10). The ESSA group improved the 40-m sprint, CODAT, T-test, and most power tests (d = 0.46-1.31) but did not significantly decrease 0-10 and 0-20 m times. The TSA group increased posteromedial and medial excursions (d = 0.97-1.89); the ESSA group increased medial excursions (d = 0.99-1.09). The ESSA group increased concentric knee extensor and flexor strength, but also increased between-leg knee flexor strength differences (d = 0.50-1.39). The loading associated with stopping can increase unilateral strength. Coaches should ensure deceleration drills allow for appropriate sprint distances before stopping, and athletes do not favor 1 leg for stopping after deceleration.

Effects of sprint and plyometrics training on field sport acceleration technique.

The mechanisms for speed performance improvement from sprint training and plyometrics training, especially relating to stance kinetics, require investigation in field sport athletes. This study determined the effects of sprint training and plyometrics training on 10-m sprint time (0-5, 5-10, and 0-10 m intervals), step kinematics (step length and frequency, contact and flight time), and stance kinetics (first, second, and last contact relative vertical [VF, VI], horizontal [HF, HI], and resultant [RF, RI] force and impulse; resultant ground reaction force angle [RFθ]; ratio of horizontal to resultant force [RatF]) during a 10-m sprint. Sixteen male field sport athletes were allocated into sprint training (ST) and plyometrics training (PT) groups according to 10-m sprint time; independent samples t-tests (p ≤ 0.05) indicated no between-group differences. Training involved 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks. A repeated measures analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05) determined within- and between-subject differences. Both groups decreased 0-5 and 0-10 m time. The ST group increased step length by ∼15%, which tended to be greater than step length gains for the PT group (∼7%). The ST group reduced first and second contact RFθ and RatF, and second contact HF. Second contact HI decreased for both groups. Results indicated a higher post-training emphasis on VF production. Vertical force changes were more pronounced for the PT group for the last contact, who increased or maintained last contact VI, RF, and RI to a greater extent than the ST group. Sprint and plyometrics training can improve acceleration, primarily through increased step length and a greater emphasis on VF.

Reliability and Validity of a New Test of Change-of-Direction Speed for Field-Based Sports: the Change-of-Direction and Acceleration Test (CODAT).

Field sport coaches must use reliable and valid tests to assess change-of-direction speed in their athletes. Few tests feature linear sprinting with acute change- of-direction maneuvers. The Change-of-Direction and Acceleration Test (CODAT) was designed to assess field sport change-of-direction speed, and includes a linear 5-meter (m) sprint, 45° and 90° cuts, 3- m sprints to the left and right, and a linear 10-m sprint. This study analyzed the reliability and validity of this test, through comparisons to 20-m sprint (0-5, 0-10, 0-20 m intervals) and Illinois agility run (IAR) performance. Eighteen Australian footballers (age = 23.83 ± 7.04 yrs; height = 1.79 ± 0.06 m; mass = 85.36 ± 13.21 kg) were recruited. Following familiarization, subjects completed the 20-m sprint, CODAT, and IAR in 2 sessions, 48 hours apart. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) assessed relative reliability. Absolute reliability was analyzed through paired samples t-tests (p ≤ 0.05) determining between-session differences. Typical error (TE), coefficient of variation (CV), and differences between the TE and smallest worthwhile change (SWC), also assessed absolute reliability and test usefulness. For the validity analysis, Pearson's correlations (p ≤ 0.05) analyzed between-test relationships. Results showed no between-session differences for any test (p = 0.19-0.86). CODAT time averaged ~6 s, and the ICC and CV equaled 0.84 and 3.0%, respectively. The homogeneous sample of Australian footballers meant that the CODAT's TE (0.19 s) exceeded the usual 0.2 x standard deviation (SD) SWC (0.10 s). However, the CODAT is capable of detecting moderate performance changes (SWC calculated as 0.5 x SD = 0.25 s). There was a near perfect correlation between the CODAT and IAR (r = 0.92), and very large correlations with the 20-m sprint (r = 0.75-0.76), suggesting that the CODAT was a valid change-of-direction speed test. Due to movement specificity, the CODAT has value for field sport assessment. Key pointsThe change-of-direction and acceleration test (CODAT) was designed specifically for field sport athletes from specific speed research, and data derived from time-motion analyses of sports such as rugby union, soccer, and Australian football. The CODAT features a linear 5-meter (m) sprint, 45° and 90° cuts and 3-m sprints to the left and right, and a linear 10-m sprint.The CODAT was found to be a reliable change-of-direction speed assessment when considering intra-class correlations between two testing sessions, and the coefficient of variation between trials. A homogeneous sample of Australian footballers resulted in absolute reliability limitations when considering differences between the typical error and smallest worthwhile change. However, the CODAT will detect moderate (0.5 times the test's standard deviation) changes in performance.The CODAT correlated with the Illinois agility run, highlighting that it does assess change-of-direction speed. There were also significant relationships with short sprint performance (i.e. 0-5 m and 0-10 m), demonstrating that linear acceleration is assessed within the CODAT, without the extended duration and therefore metabolic limitations of the IAR. Indeed, the average duration of the test (~6 seconds) is field sport-specific. Therefore, the CODAT could be used as an assessment of change-of-direction speed in field sport athletes.

Analysis of specific speed testing for cricketers.

A characteristic of cricket sprints, which may require specific assessment, is that players carry a bat when running between the wickets. This study analyzed the relationships between general and specific cricket speed tests, which included 30-m sprint (0- to 5-, 0- to 10-, 0- to 30-m intervals; general); 505 change-of-direction speed test with left and right foot turns (general); 17.68-m sprint without and with (WB) a cricket bat (0- to 5-, 0- to 17.68-m intervals; specific); and run-a-three (specific). Seventeen male cricketers (age = 24.4 ± 5.0 years; height = 1.84 ± 0.06 m; mass = 86.9 ± 13.9 kg) completed the tests, which were correlated (p < 0.05) to determine if they assessed different physical qualities. The subjects were also split into faster and slower groups based on the 17.68-m WB sprint time. A 1-way analysis of variance ascertained between-group differences in the tests (p < 0.05). The 17.68-m WB sprint correlated with the 0- to 10- and 0- to 30-m sprint intervals (r = 0.63-0.78) but not with the 0- to 5-m interval. The run-a-three correlated with the 505 and 17.68-m WB sprint (r = 0.62-0.90) but not with the 0- to 5-m interval. Poor relationships between the 0- to 5-m interval and cricket-specific tests may be because of the bat inclusion, as the sprints with a bat began with the subject ahead of the start line, and bat placed behind it. Furthermore, although the 17.68-m WB sprint and run-a-three differentiated faster and slower subjects, the 0- to 5-m sprint interval, and left foot 505, did not. The results indicated the necessity for cricket-specific speed testing. The 17.68-m WB sprint and run-a-three are potentially valuable tests for assessing cricket-specific speed. A bat should be incorporated when testing the running between the wickets ability.

Influence of sprint acceleration stance kinetics on velocity and step kinematics in field sport athletes.

The interaction between step kinematics and stance kinetics determines sprint velocity. However, the influence that stance kinetics has on effective acceleration in field sport athletes requires clarification. About 25 men (age = 22.4 ± 3.2 years; mass = 82.8 ± 7.2 kg; height = 1.81 ± 0.07 m) completed twelve 10-m sprints, 6 sprints each for kinematic and kinetic assessment. Pearson's correlations (p ≤ 0.05) examined relationships between 0-5, 5-10, and 0-10 m velocity; step kinematics (mean step length [SL], step frequency, contact time [CT], flight time over each interval); and stance kinetics (relative vertical, horizontal, and resultant force and impulse; resultant force angle; ratio of horizontal to resultant force [RatF] for the first, second, and last contacts within the 10-m sprint). Relationships were found between 0-5, 5-10, and 0-10 m SL and 0-5 and 0-10 m velocity (r = 0.397-0.535). CT of 0-5 and 0-10 m correlated with 5-10 m velocity (r = -0.506 and -0.477, respectively). Last contact vertical force correlated with 5-10 m velocity (r = 0.405). Relationships were established between the second and last contact vertical and resultant force and CT over all intervals (r = -0.398 to 0.569). First and second contact vertical impulse correlated with 0-5 m SL (r = 0.434 and 0.442, respectively). Subjects produced resultant force angles and RatF suitable for horizontal force production. Faster acceleration in field sport athletes involved longer steps, with shorter CT. Greater vertical force production was linked with shorter CT, illustrating efficient force production. Greater SLs during acceleration were facilitated by higher vertical impulse and appropriate horizontal force. Speed training for field sport athletes should be tailored to encourage these technique adaptations.