Pryer, M.E., Cronin, J., Neville, J., Korfist, C. & Uthoff, A. (2026)
Sprint acceleration from dynamic positions (pickup acceleration) is fundamental to team sports performance, yet remains under-researched. This article focuses on customizing methods for extracting step-specific variables from motorized linear position encoder technology to analyze pickup acceleration. Fifteen trained athletes (22.6 ± 5.3 years) from diverse sporting backgrounds performed 30-m sprints at controlled entry velocities (1.5 and 3.0 m·s−1). A custom MATLAB script identified critical steps and calculated step velocity, acceleration, horizontal force, and step length. The analysis captured approach steps (−2, −1), transition step (0), and pickup steps (1, 2) across the acceleration phase. Using the methods outlined in this article, it was concluded that a step-by-step analysis of pickup acceleration can be effectively captured in field settings, providing mechanical insights that were previously limited to laboratory environments. This method provides strength and conditioning practitioners with a practical and portable solution for assessing sport-specific sprint mechanics. While low-load resistance (1 kg) and tether oscillation present limitations, the approach enables individualized training prescriptions based on step-specific mechanical profiles. Future research should establish the reliability of step-derived measures and explore targeted interventions for improving pickup acceleration performance in team sport athletes.
Published: April 1, 2026