The Integration ofElectronic Timing in

Speed TrainingChristopher Glaeser

Trends in Electronic Timing

• Transition from periodic testing to training

• Integration of timing into speed training

• Olympic and World Champion medalists, elite track teams

• High Schools and Colleges

• Ballistic events: Sprints, hurdles, horizontal jumps, pole vault

• Accels, fly-in sprints, hurdle splits, tempo runs

Benefits of Electronic Timing• Can increase arousal of athletes (speed workouts)

• Can motivate athletes (tempo runs)

• Immediate feedback can reinforce good technique (posture, relaxation, …)

• Provides Intervention (focus on quality over quantity)

• Increased accuracy of assessment (tempo and recovery)

• Coach can focus on other tasks (stand anywhere, watch anything)

Freelap Timing System

Benefits of Freelap

• Can time multiple athletes simultaneously

• Extremely versatile

• No tripods that require extra lanes

• Long battery life

• Rugged, water resistant, transmitters do not blow over

• Easy setup

• Accurate, wireless, expandable

• Lower cost compared to laser beams

• Small and compact for storage and travel

Freelap Watch

• Sprint belt for increased accuracy

• Store 765 splits organized into files

• Files are date and time stamped

• Data can be downloaded to Windows PC using IrDA USB dongle

Freelap Transmitters

• Tx Touch for block starts and three-point stance

• Tx Junior for splits

• Tx Touch is optional; Tx Junior can be used for fly-in starts

Versatility

• Example: 4x100 relay

• Relay leg selection

• Time 35 m fly (low hurdle marks) on the straight; repeat for turn

• Select legs based on performances in straight versus turn

• Do some speed work on the turn with baton

• Some athletes will hesitate for incoming athlete

• Time athlete in exchange zone without incoming athlete

• Compare exchange zone baseline with incoming athlete

Sprint Calculator

• Based on research by Bundle, Hoyt, WeyandHigh-speed running performance: a new approach to assessment and prediction

• Primary focus is practical coaching application

• Web-based implementation

• http://www.freelapusa.com/sprint-calculator

• Online User Guide

• Sample Data Set

Sprint Calculator (continued)

• ASR uses a short and long sprint to calculate all other distances

• Can be used for Intervention (quality versus quantity)

• ASR algorithm is based on fly-in sprints

• Calculator will convert block starts to fly-in sprints

• Can use times from track meets

• Can use any distance (e.g. high and low hurdle marks)

• Can predict new long distance

Sprint Calculator (continued)

• Work in Progress

• New features to be included with future releases

• Questions, comments, and feedback are welcomed

Contact

• christopher@freelapusa.cm

• (925) 461-5990 work

• (925) 548-2022 cell

• Skype: christopher.glaeser

• Twitter: @FreelapUSA

• www.freelapusa.com