The support phase includes which actions?

The support phase includes which actions?

• A. Eccentric braking and concentric propulsion
• B. Recovery and ground preparation
• C. Start and acceleration
• D. Flight and rest

Answer: (A)

During the support phase, the body is on the ground with one leg bearing weight from initial contact to toe-off. The key actions are braking and propulsion. Eccentric braking occurs as the leg absorbs impact and controls the body's forward descent, lengthening muscles under tension to slow the motion. Then, as the person prepares to push off, the same muscles switch to concentric propulsion, shortening to generate push-off force and propel the body into the next flight phase. This sequence of absorbing impact and then accelerating forward is what defines the support phase. Recovery, ground preparation, start and acceleration, and flight are related to other parts of the sprint cycle, not the primary actions of the support phase.

During the support phase, the body is on the ground with one leg bearing weight from initial contact to toe-off. The key actions are braking and propulsion. Eccentric braking occurs as the leg absorbs impact and controls the body's forward descent, lengthening muscles under tension to slow the motion. Then, as the person prepares to push off, the same muscles switch to concentric propulsion, shortening to generate push-off force and propel the body into the next flight phase. This sequence of absorbing impact and then accelerating forward is what defines the support phase. Recovery, ground preparation, start and acceleration, and flight are related to other parts of the sprint cycle, not the primary actions of the support phase.