Science of Speed

Speed is not a mystery. It is a measurable, teachable set of mechanics, and for more than 30 years, CompuSport has been collecting the data to prove it.

The Science of Speed is a practical guide to sprint mechanics, injury prevention, and talent identification written for coaches and athletes at every level. Drawing on decades of original research conducted on elite athletes across track and field, team sports, and winter sports, Dr. Amber Murphy and the late Dr. Ralph Mann translate the science of human movement into something coaches can teach and athletes can apply on the track, on the field, and in the weight room.

Each chapter breaks down a specific area of athletic performance: the block start and transition, sprint mechanics and fatigue, hurdle clearance and the steps between, distance running, the 4x100 relay, team and winter sports, and the mechanical causes of hamstring and Achilles injuries. The final chapters cover talent identification: what the data says about speed potential, how to assess it, and the other factors that determine whether an athlete reaches it.

Every chapter combines figures with specific, measurable benchmarks so coaches and athletes can see what proper mechanics look like and exactly what to work toward to improve performance.

Dr. Ralph Mann was an Olympic Silver Medalist, former World Record Holder in the 400 meter hurdles, and inductee of the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame. His pioneering work in sports biomechanics, including being one of six individuals who created the Elite Athlete Program that brought sports science to USA Track and Field, is the foundation this book is built on. Dr. Amber Murphy is a sports biomechanics expert with over 20 years of experience working with professional, collegiate, and high school athletes across track and field, football, rugby, and winter sports, and CEO of CompuSport, LLC.

If you are a coach looking to identify talent or improve your athletes' speed, or an athlete looking to improve performance and prevent injury, this book is for you.