Open AccessNFL Draft Prep Players Improve 40-Yard Run Times and Foot-Ground Kinetics
Author(s) -
Monique Butcher-Mokha,
Tobin Silver,
Pete Bommarito
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
research directs in strength and performance
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2768-5187
DOI - 10.53520/rdsp2021.1056
Subject(s) - ground reaction force , foot (prosody) , mathematics , football , treadmill , american football , linear relationship , simulation , zoology , chemistry , statistics , medicine , physical therapy , physics , engineering , geography , kinematics , art , biology , literature , archaeology , classical mechanics
Linear speed is a discriminant factor between drafted and undrafted American football players into the National Football League. Linear speed is influenced by foot-ground contact time and the magnitude of vertical ground reaction force. The aim of this study was to determine if foot-ground kinetics during speed running could be modified through participating in a 6-week NFL draft preparation camp.Methods: To evaluate foot-ground kinetics, 16 American football players ran on an instrumented treadmill for 5 seconds at 6.5 m/s. Linear speed was measured during a 40-yard (36.6 m) outdoor run. Pre- and post-camp linear speed times, stance-averaged vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF, kg/N), foot-ground contact time (msec), and vertical impulse (kg/N * s) were examined using paired t-tests, p<.05.Results: Linear speed times significantly improved [(pre, 4.8±0.2 vs. post, 4.6±0.2 sec), t(15)=13.8, p .05.Conclusions: Linear speed and selected foot-ground kinetics are modifiable in NFL draft prep players. Training appears to lower 40-yard run times and foot-ground contact time.