The purpose of this study was to identify differences in force, impulse and power characteristics in block starts and first two contacts between youth academy (n=20) and elite senior male sprinters (n=17). Senior sprinters were significantly faster out of the blocks with a horizontal velocity of 3.35 ±0.15 m/s compared to 3.14 ±0.16 m/s, leading to 10 m times of 1.64±0.045 s and 1.706±0.06 s respectively. Force application time of the arms, rear leg and front leg were significantly lower in the senior athletes (all p<0.0001). Relative peak vertical forces in arms, front and rear legs were all similar, but senior athletes generated greater peak horizontal force/BW (p<0.05) and power/BW from the rear leg (p<0.001). Understanding the function of the rear leg and implications on strength and technique will help to guide progression from youth to senior performance.
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