"Coincidence itself relates to the mathematical idea of angles that coincide. When two angles join in this way, they're said to fit together perfectly. Not accidentally-PERFECTLY. Any so-called coincidence might then just be an alignment of forces fitting together in flawless harmony." Dr Wayne Dyer. Inspiration can reach out to you at any moment. While flying to Vancouver last April, I found myself cemented to my seat; hyper-focused on starting and finishing Dyer's book, Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling. Four pages in, I came across the beautiful passage from above. Immediately, I related his words and concepts to the technical model for an athletes sprint acceleration. Flawless acceleration mechanics showcase limb congruence and an alignment of body positions that resultantly allow for optimal expression of power while decreasing ground contact times. When the aforementioned qualities are in place, the athlete becomes more efficient. Efficient sprint mechanics lead to a reduction of breaking forces and ultimately less mechanical stress. This leads to an improvement in recovery time and inevitably reduces the likelihood of injury. As you can now imagine, new context is given towards the "harmony" Dyer earlier described. Great sprint position is not only harmonious for the viewing eye, but also yields more peace after each stressful sprint. A great acceleration technical model is achieved through the athletes cognitive and physical wherewithal. This can be both a conscious or subconscious venture for the athlete/coach. What ties into this "wherewithal?" In a speed and power related task or event, technical mastery is affected by many physiological and mental qualities. Movement capacity, strength, reactive power, elasticity, coordination, rhythm, kinesthetic awareness, anthropometrics, and mental cognition are among the leading agents in sprinting fast(er). All of these factors are context for the infrastructure created by a coach when he or she selects and leads a given task, workout or program. Choose and cue wisely.
Fast sprinting is true harmony of body and mind. Its efforts are purposeful and poetic. Next time you watch an awe inspiring fast sprint, remember it is and isn't a coincidence. For more on acceleration check out my recent interview at the second World Speed Summit. Please Share and help the #speedmafia grow!!!
1 Comment
Sue van vuuren
10/23/2016 12:42:00 pm
Hi Matt,
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Matt GiffordNX Level Coach - C.S.C.S - USATF Level 1, Altis Apprentice Archives
May 2020
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