The Biomechanical Effects of Uphill Training on Acceleration on Under 17 Yr Male and Female Athletes

INTRODUCTION The ability to accelerate and reach maximum running velocity is essential for athletic success. Training for enhanced speed is a key element in most strength and conditioning programs and typically develops two essential components of speed: acceleration and velocity. Acceleration is defined as the rate of change in velocity and is often mea sured by assessing sprint performance over short distances. Velocity refers to the rate of movement over a specified distance and is commonly measured by meter (Ebben, 1998 and Murphy et al , 2003). Improved acceleration and velocity is achieved by increasi ng the physical, metabolic, and neurological components associated with sprinting (Facciono, 1994)