Basics of Running Mechanics for Sprinting Speed

The basis of achieving maximum speed require a focus on four key elements:

1. Arm Action
2. Body Posture
3. Leg Action - Ground Contact
4. Leg Action - Knee Drive
   

In the figure above, you should note how each of these elements are involved in the running motion of an athlete at full sprint.

Watching a video of current world champion and world record holder Usain Bolt should help you visualize this. When watching the videos, observe how the arms are used, how erect the body posture is, how the sprinters run on the balls of their feet, and how the knees drive forward to establish an optimal stride length.

• here is a slow motion analysis of his 100m world record performance in Berlin last year

As well, here are "frame by frame" pictures of Bolt's running style ( click here to see the photo sequence)

Here is some slow motion video showing his sprinting form:

Once you master these basics, only then can you pose like Usain does ;-)