100 Meter Strategies

The 100-meter sprint is one of the most anticipated track and field events at the Olympics or any major track and field meet. The unofficial title of "World's Fastest Human" goes to the winner of the men's 100-meter dash. It is a tough and demanding race that requires training, quickness, explosiveness and speed.

  1. The Start

    • To prepare for the start, you have to get into a sprinter's position in the starting blocks. Your feet are braced against metal blocks that you will push off of at the sound of the starter's pistol. Your body will be leaning forward and your muscles will contract in explosive fashion in order to get your body moving. As you propel yourself forward, you will take quick steps that will get you toward full speed. The first two steps will be short and choppy and then the steps start to lengthen out. Your steps will continue to lengthen significantly through your first eight strides.

    Maximum Acceleration

    • You will reach your maximum acceleration and top speed at about the 40-meter mark. This is where discipline becomes a major factor in the race. You are running explosively, trying to maintain your speed. Your arms will pump with each stride and you will lean forward. Your body will be able to maintain that maximum speed for 30 meters.

    Speed Maintenance

    • The final 30 meters of the race is about maintaining as much speed as you can. Every sprinter slows slightly in those final meters, including world record holder Usain Bolt. The key to maintaining as much of your speed as possible is the training you have done before the race and the form you hold on the track. If you can continue to swing your arms and push forward while maintaining a forward lean and not straightening up, you can maintain a pace that is close to your top speed through the end of the race.