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, 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

• christopher@freelapusa.cm• (925) 461-5990 work• (925) 548-2022 cell• Skype: christopher.glaeser• Twitter: @FreelapUSA• www.freelapusa.com