Which statement best characterizes the total number of phases described for maximum velocity sprinting?

Which statement best characterizes the total number of phases described for maximum velocity sprinting?

• A. Two phases
• B. Three phases
• C. Four phases
• D. Five phases

Answer: (B)

Sprinting at maximum speed is viewed as three distinct parts rather than a single motion. First comes the acceleration phase, where the sprinter pushes into the ground to rapidly increase speed from a starting impulse toward higher velocity. Then the pace reaches its peak during the maximum velocity phase, the portion of the run where speed is held near its highest possible value with efficient mechanics (short ground contact and long, powerful strides). If the sprint continues, fatigue or technique changes cause a deceleration phase, in which velocity begins to drop. Because the sequence from starting push through reaching top speed and then potentially slowing down is described as three parts, the total number of phases in maximum velocity sprinting is three. Choosing more or fewer phases would misrepresent how this sprinting model is typically described.

Sprinting at maximum speed is viewed as three distinct parts rather than a single motion. First comes the acceleration phase, where the sprinter pushes into the ground to rapidly increase speed from a starting impulse toward higher velocity. Then the pace reaches its peak during the maximum velocity phase, the portion of the run where speed is held near its highest possible value with efficient mechanics (short ground contact and long, powerful strides). If the sprint continues, fatigue or technique changes cause a deceleration phase, in which velocity begins to drop. Because the sequence from starting push through reaching top speed and then potentially slowing down is described as three parts, the total number of phases in maximum velocity sprinting is three. Choosing more or fewer phases would misrepresent how this sprinting model is typically described.