The impact of cone drill training on reaction time and 60-meter sprint performance in youth sprinters

Introduction: Reaction speed and maximum sprinting velocity are two essential determinants that influence the overall performance of athletes in athletics, particularly in the 100-meter event. Despite their importance, comprehensive and empirically validated training models designed specifically to enhance reaction speed and top-end sprint velocity remain insufficiently explored in current sports science literature. Therefore, identifying and examining structured training methods that effectively target these components is crucial for optimizing competitive sprint performance. Objective: This study aims to investigate and verify the impact of Cone Drill training on reaction speed and maximum sprint velocity in youth athletes specializing in the 100-meter sprint, with a particular focus on performance improvements measured through the 60-meter sprint test. Methodology: The study involved 16 youth sprinters aged 15–17 years who participated in a structured 6-week Cone Drill training intervention. Performance data were obtained through the 60-meter sprint test to assess maximum sprinting velocity, while reaction speed was measured using a whole-body auditory and visual reaction assessment conducted both before and after the training period. A parametric paired-sample t-test was used to evaluate within-group differences, and an independent-sample t-test was employed to examine between-group differences, with the level of significance set at 5%. Results: Findings revealed significant improvements in 60-meter sprint performance and reaction speed after six weeks of training (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, comparative analysis between groups indicated meaningful increases in both reaction speed and 60-meter sprint outcomes in the experimental group compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The results demonstrate that Cone Drill training produces a substantial positive influence on enhancing reaction speed and 60-meter sprint performance in youth sprinters. These outcomes suggest that Cone Drill–based agility training should be considered a viable and effective component within the preparation and implementation phases of training programs for developing 100-meter sprint athletes.

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