The Integration of
Electronic Timing in
Speed Training
Christopher 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
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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
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Relay leg selection
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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
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Time athlete in exchange zone without incoming athlete
Compare exchange zone baseline with incoming athlete
Sprint Calculator
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Based on research by Bundle, Hoyt, Weyand
High-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
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[email protected]
(925) 461-5990 work
(925) 548-2022 cell
Skype: christopher.glaeser
Twitter: @FreelapUSA
www.freelapusa.com