Estimation of maximum sprinting speed with timing gates: greater accuracy of 5-m split times compared to 10-m splits

This study assessed the validity of 5-m (TG5) and 10-m (TG10) split times measured with timing gates to estimate maximum sprint speed (MSS) against a criterion measure radar gun (RG) during the maximum velocity phase of a 30-m sprint. Nineteen amateur rugby players performed two 30-m sprints. The timing gates were placed at the starting line and at 5-, 10-, 20-, 25- and 30-m. In addition, a RG was used to measure instantaneous velocity. Both trials per participant were used selected as references. MSS obtained from TG10, TG5 and RG showed high intraclass correlation coefficients (0.971-0.978), low coefficients of variation (1.14-1.70%) and smallest detectable changes (<0.02 m/s). Pairwise comparison revealed differences (