Which subphases are included in the flight phase of linear sprinting?

Which subphases are included in the flight phase of linear sprinting?

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

Answer: (A)

Flight phase is the portion of the sprint cycle when both feet are off the ground, occurring between toe-off and the next ground contact. Within this time, the leg goes through two subphases: recovery, where the leg swings behind and under the body and then forward to prepare for landing; and ground preparation, where the leg moves into position to strike the ground efficiently for the next contact. These are distinct from the clash with the ground you see during the stance phase (eccentric braking and concentric propulsion), which happens when the foot is in contact with the ground. They’re also separate from the start/acceleration portion of the sprint and from the moments of contact and lift, which bracket the flight but are not subphases of it.

Flight phase is the portion of the sprint cycle when both feet are off the ground, occurring between toe-off and the next ground contact. Within this time, the leg goes through two subphases: recovery, where the leg swings behind and under the body and then forward to prepare for landing; and ground preparation, where the leg moves into position to strike the ground efficiently for the next contact. These are distinct from the clash with the ground you see during the stance phase (eccentric braking and concentric propulsion), which happens when the foot is in contact with the ground. They’re also separate from the start/acceleration portion of the sprint and from the moments of contact and lift, which bracket the flight but are not subphases of it.