The effect of targeted distance-time exercises on improving specific speed and achieving the 400m youth running event

Abstract

The current study aimed to prepare special exercises (distance - time) targeting the improvement of special speed aspects and the achievement of running 800 m for young people, in addition to identifying the effect of these exercises. The researcher assumed that there are statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-measurements and tests in the special speed aspects and the achievement of running 800 m for young people. The researcher followed the experimental method using the single-group method with pre-test and post-test. The research sample was determined by (6) runners from the runners of the clubs of Wasit Governorate in Iraq for the sports season 2024-2025 AD. The researcher conducted the special tests on the research sample, which were represented by the test (70 m, 250 m, and 350 m) and completing a distance of 400 m, in addition to completing the 400 m event.

The researcher followed the application of their exercises for a period of 8 weeks distributed over 3 units per week. After completing the application of the exercises and conducting the post-tests, the results were extracted using appropriate statistical means. The results showed a development in the aspects of speed and achievement of the research sample, and the researcher concluded that training on the targeted (distance and time) and with targeted standard times contributes to developing the requirements for the event (such as transitional speed, speed endurance and achievement).