Force–velocity profiling (FVP) evaluates how much force an athlete produces at different velocities during a sprint. It helps coaches assess how an athlete accelerates, peaks, and sustains sprint speed. Essentially, it offers insight into how they sprint, not just how fast.
Why It Matters
Two athletes can run the same 30-yard dash time but get there in totally different ways.
The FVP breaks that down into force and velocity contributions, identifying whether an athlete is:
Force-deficient (stronger at top speed, needs more early acceleration development)
Velocity-deficient (strong start, but fades or lacks top-end speed)
Key Metrics Explained
F₀ (N/kg): Max theoretical force (when velocity = 0)
V₀ (m/s): Max theoretical velocity (when force = 0)
RFmax (%): Ratio of horizontal force to total force applied at the start
DRF (%): How force declines across the sprint
Tau: Time to reach 63% of max velocity (a marker of acceleration ability)
How to Collect a Profile
Distance: Usually 30 yards, but you can adjust based on athlete level (25–35 yards)
Load: Use a light load (2–3 kg), which enough for line/data stability without affecting the sprint
Reps: 1–2 quality sprints, pick the best one
Software Tip: The 1080 Control App will warn if the run is “too short” to calculate an accurate and reliable FVP
Best Practices for Reliable Profiles
1. Athlete should be ready to upright sprint at max velocity (basically, don't test the first day of offseason)
2. Use a snappy, sudden start from a full standstill to avoid false triggers (some force metrics are calculated in the first 0.3-1.0 seconds)
3. Athlete should "peak out" by the end of the sprint (hit max velocity before the measurement ends)
4. Achieve an R² > 0.985 ensures a good fit between predicted and actual sprint data
Final Advice
Within the advice above and best practices, just start collecting data. You’ll learn which athletes need longer or shorter distances and begin identifying patterns. Over time, FVP will become a powerful way to individualize sprint training, address weaknesses, and design programs that transfer directly to sport.
🎥👉 Full video: Force-Velocity Profiling How-to and Best Practices
Published: October 3, 2025