Our first of three videos released this week is the third and final installment of Frans Bosch’s Running Mechanics series. The central idea discussed in this video is running economy, a topic which sprint and distance coaches alike will find to be very valuable. The second video is an open discussion with Dr. Bondarchuk where he talks about the danger of over-emphasizing strength work, the transfer of strength, and many other topics. Third, UK sprint relay coach Michael Khmel talks about the emerging view of the 4x100m relay as an individual event and balancing the team’s needs with the individual ambitions of the athletes.

Please find below comprehensive summaries of the newly posted sport science videos. All videos are available under the appropriate category through the Media On Demand feature offered by the Canadian Athletics Coaching Centre. Click on the heading of the following videos to be directed to the video content.


Running Mechanics III - Running Economy  by Frans Bosch

This video is the third in a fantastic three part series on running technique from Frans Bosch. This video address running economy from a technical and training point of view. Topics include: Myths and facts about the VO2 max, the importance of strength training and running economy to performance, a running technique designed to conserve energy, good exercises to help with running economy, pelvic movements in efficient running, the utilization of torque in a good running technique and proper arm actions. 

Open Discussion #2  by Dr. Bondarchuk

This question and answer discussion is basically an in-depth dialogue on sports form development and Russian sports training methodology. It can be considered a companion presentation to Dr. Bondarchuk’s video “Concepts in Strength Training for the Throws” and “Russian System for Developing Hammer Throwers.” Topics include: A review of the concept of transfer of strength to the competitive event, using an example which illustrates the fallacy many coaches fall prey to in over-emphasizing maximal strength work. Other topics include: Strength intensity zones and the transfer of absolute strength to speed-strength and vice-versa, the implications of using performance-enhancing supplementation (ergogenic aids) on the training process, using short wires in the hammer and the pros and cons of the North American system of training. 

4x100m Relay as an Individual Event  by Michael Khmel

This lecture offers a perspective of viewing the relay event as an individual event to be recognized more at competitions by both the team's members and different levels of sport federations. Topics include: The need for cooperation of the athletes and their coaches, the importance of a solid national relay program, improving both the speed of the athletes and of the baton, decisions that relay coaches must make, why it behooves a federation to invest in relays and ensuring that individual ambition is not lost in this process.