Speed Chutes

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To ST Members:

Below is a summary of an article I wrote a few years back for Track Technique

regarding various sprint resisted and assisted protocols.

Here are some of my observations on the first models of the Speed Chute.

Some of these points have already been discussed in previous posts.

The sprint chute was the brainchild of former Soviet sprint authority Ben

Tabachnik, who in background, stature, and respect is still considered the

Arthur

Lydiard of the sprint world. Tabachnik has co-authored a unique training

manual called Soviet Training and Recovery Methods. Rick Brunner, who played a

major role in the publication, presents the speed chute as a unique means to

intensify the training process physically, as well as metabolically and

neurologically. Test results, apparently performed in a secluded stadium outside

of

Moscow, proved that the speed chute was " superior to all other devices designed

to improve maximal speed, start acceleration, and speed-endurance. " As

mentioned in a previous post, Tabachnik notes a dramatic reduction of .2 to .4

seconds in 100 meter dash times, but he was also working with advanced

athletes-not

beginners.

We tested six chutes, two at each of the three resistances. We felt that

these original chutes, marketed through Atletika, were expensive, flimsy, and

awkward. The various connecting cords tangled easily, and the nylon would tear

quickly if caught on a fence post or the end of a hurdle. In fact, the nylon

chute would often tear long before the velcro waist harness ripped free.

Coaches

actually used the velcro belt to create a training effect they referred to as

" let-goes " --resistance followed by an abrupt release.

I am convinced that much of Tabachnik's work with the chutes had to be

conducted in some of Russia's massive indoor training complexes or skating

rinks,

where there are no crosswinds to violently disrupt a runner's stride or alter

his running path. Although such sudden shifts may be appropriate for sports such

as hockey and football, they are problematic for single-direction activities

such as sprinting, where athletes, even against resistance, are traveling

between six to eight meters per second and attempting to apply a force three to

four times their body weight for 0.09 to .11 of a second while landing

precariously on a three inch-wide spike plate or racing flat. A gust of wind

will pull

an athlete off line, and such sudden shifts, rather than tearing down a

dynamic stereotype, has the potential to tear up a runner's hips, knees, and

ankles. Those working with the chutes were a combination of high school and

college

athletes. None felt they were in control during training sessions, and

admitted to running tentatively when the wind started to whip the chute behind

them.

Tabachnik notes that the faster the athlete runs, the greater the drag.

Herein is a problem, since the resistance is not uniform for any set length.

Current research suggests that, to achieve gains in maximum velocity athletes

should

not be slowed down more than 10% because, as the resistance becomes greater,

the ground dynamics begin to change.

There may be better means to elicit central nervous system responses.

Obviously, one method to make it harder for an athlete to sprint at maximum

velocity

is to run against the wind. The problem with this technique is that, like the

chute, it is difficult to keep a runner within the prescribed 10% window.

Kindest regards,

Ken Jakalski

Lisle High School

Lisle, Illinois