Usain Bolt's mechanics (form) ...

[Paul Henry]

Re: Usain Bolt's mechanics (form) ...

no sprint expert here, but is Usain's efficiency etc optimal? If not how much can he improve just by tweaking that. He is such a 'raw' (is that true?) talent that it seems to me that if one could he would look at that. Or do you just leave that alone? If this has been brought up before - my bad.

You raised a good point. The real thing is; the form we are seeing now came form intense training to correct a terible form he had up until he got the 19.93 record (head bobbing backward, shoulders crouched). Further to that, he almost quitted tracks because of a serious back problem which threatened those muscles and ligaments. so the forms which he employ has to do with that management.

With that said, I really would not expect any much that can be applied to correct his running form.

[Marlow]

Bolt is not necessary bigger than Powell though, he is taller by a couple inches but he weighs less.

Bolt's long levers are a disadvantage at the start. His 'lightness' is a little bit of a benefit. When you look at the best 'natural' starters, you see shorter, bulkier people, and for top-end speed, you generally see taller, leaner people . . . your mileage may vary. 8-)

[RamGoat]

Bolt is not necessary bigger than Powell though, he is taller by a couple inches but he weighs less.

[Marlow]

Re: Usain Bolt's mechanics (form) ...

no sprint expert here, but is Usain's efficiency etc optimal? If not how much can he improve just by tweaking that. He is such a 'raw' (is that true?) talent that it seems to me that if one could he would look at that. Or do you just leave that alone? If this has been brought up before - my bad.

The Jamaicans seem to have mastered that aspect of the race. Powell, esp. for being a big guy, has a great start and amazing acceleration. Bolt, for being an even bigger guy, has an excellent start and surreal acceleration. Certainly his hooooj stride length can't hurt, but his blocks getaway and turnover are unreal for a guy that tall!

[no one]

no sprint expert here, but is Usain's efficiency etc optimal? If not how much can he improve just by tweaking that. He is such a 'raw' (is that true?) talent that it seems to me that if one could he would look at that. Or do you just leave that alone? If this has been brought up before - my bad.