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# 2.1 The mechanics of speed

In this section you will investigate the biomechanics of speed in order to buttress your understanding of speed and how to develop it.

## Activity 2 Speed mechanics

Allow 40 minutes for this activity

Watch Video 2 and have a look at the glossary below in Box 1. Once you’ve watched Video 2 and completed the reading, fill in the gaps in the statements below which describe how these terms can be applied to a sprinter at the start of a race.

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Video 2 The science of sprinting
Transcript

## Box 1 Glossary of speed terms

- Velocity: How fast an object (or person) is moving and its direction
- Speed: The rate at which an object (or person) covers a distance
- Impulse: The product of the force generated, and the time required to produce the force (force x time)
- Force: The product of mass and acceleration or a push/pull exerted on one object by another
- Acceleration: The rate at which an object’s velocity changes over time

Use the drop-down menus to select the correct missing word.

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Having explored the biomechanical principles of speed you will now look at the physiology of speed and how this relates to speed training.

◄Contents►Next: 2.2 The physiology of speed

OpenLearn - Training for speed and power in sport and fitness
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