Introduction A fully automatic timing system is expensive and is normally used by recognized athletes or in international competitions. This study aims to develop a new photocell timing gate at an affordable price with a high maximum velocity (Vmax) for junior futsal players. Furthermore, it aims to compare new and validated photocell timing (NPT) gates with validated timing (VT) and manual hand-held timing (MHH). Methods In this study, 12 junior male futsal players between the ages of 18 and 20 recruited from an ITB club were instructed to run as fast as possible. The Vmax during 60m sprints was calculated using 3 methods: a new photocell timing (NPT) gate, which consists of one start and a three-track timer, manual hand-held timing (MHH) using a stopwatch (Seiko Stopwatch S23601P), and validated timing (VT) using a Smart Speed PT System, which consists of one start and a three-track timer. In addition, one maximum sprint trial of this procedure was conducted. Results ANOVA showed no significant differences between the three methods at the point of each gate (10m = p = 0.771; 30m = p = 0.398; 60m = p = 0.964). Kappa indicated a strong correlation between NPT and VT, with results of 10m (0.639 (p = 0.001)), 30m (0.639 (p = 0.001)) and 60m (0.647 (p = 0.001)). This showed identical sprint test results with the NPT and the VT timing methods. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that the sprint results of the NPT method are identical to the sprint results of the VT timing method.
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