Which set of terms completes the Sprinting Goal statement: high stride frequency and optimal stride length, with explosive horizontal push-off and minimal vertical impulse?

• A. High stride frequency; stride length; horizontal push-off; vertical impulse
• B. Stride length; stride frequency; vertical impulse; horizontal push-off
• C. Stride frequency; stride length; vertical impulse; horizontal push-off
• D. Stride length; stride frequency; horizontal push-off; vertical impulse

Answer: (A)

Speed in sprinting comes from a balance of how often you cycle your legs and how long each step is, while the energy should be directed forward rather than upward. So the goal is to have a high stride frequency and an optimal stride length, with an explosive horizontal push-off and minimal vertical impulse. The set that fits this description is high stride frequency; stride length; horizontal push-off; vertical impulse. It mirrors first prioritizing rate and length, then the direction of force application, and finally reducing vertical motion for efficiency. Other orders shift the emphasis in a way that doesn’t align with the stated goal.