The drive phase is the first part of a sprint, the acceleration period right out of the blocks where you build speed from a standstill. It is one of the most important and most misunderstood parts of sprinting, because the instinct to stand up tall works against you. Here is what the drive phase is and why it matters.
The drive phase is roughly the first 10 strides out of the blocks, covering the first 15 to 20 meters. During it your body stays low at about a 45 degree angle, your shin matches your torso, and your stride length grows as your hips climb toward upright.
Horizontal force is highest when your body angle is low and forward. Standing up early switches you to upright mechanics that brake more than they drive, so you leave acceleration on the track. The best drivers stay patient and rise gradually.
The drive phase ends as a transition, not a moment. By about step 10 to 12 you should be nearly upright and into max-velocity mechanics. Rise too early and you lose acceleration; rise too late and you waste energy.
The drive phase is hard to feel and easy to see. Film your start from the side, the AI grades your body angle and flags the exact step you stand up, so you can fix the most common acceleration leak in sprinting.
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Out of the blocks the body and shin drive at about 45 degrees, then rise gradually toward upright by step 10 to 12.
Common questions athletes and coaches ask about this topic.
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