What is 'economy of motion' in sprint running and what coaching cues improve it?

• A. Movement efficiency; cues include minimizing ground contact time, optimizing stride length, and maintaining relaxed upper body.
• B. Movement speed; cues emphasize rapid knee drive and tense upper body.
• C. Power optimization; cues focus on increasing hip extension and arm propulsion.
• D. Endurance pacing; cues emphasize slow cadence and heavy breathing control.

Answer: (A)

Economy of motion in sprinting is about moving with the greatest forward efficiency—getting the most speed from the least energy waste. It means minimizing wasted vertical movement, braking forces, and unnecessary muscle tension so the body uses energy to propel forward rather than to tighten up or slow down.

Coaching cues that improve this include shortening ground contact time without compromising force production, so steps become quicker and more reactive. Stride length should be optimized—not too long or overextended, but long enough to maintain speed and momentum. A relaxed upper body helps prevent energy leaks through unnecessary arm and shoulder tension, keeping the torso stable and allowing easier breathing and rhythm. Together, these cues promote a smoother, more economical sprinting pattern where effort is translated into forward speed rather than wasted in excess movement or stiffness.

The other options point toward simply moving faster, force production, or pacing for endurance, which are different goals. Economy focuses on efficiency and reducing energy cost per meter, not just increasing speed, tightening the body, or pacing strategies.