It’s with regards to vertical forces.
If the forces are predominately vertical in sprinting, then why is it the guys with great verts can’t hang with the 40 guys & vice versa?. If the vert guys produce greater vertical forces?, they should excel in the 40/sprints, since “forces are vertical in sprinting”?.
It’s not like there choosing one over the other. I’m sure both sets of athletes (good verters/sprinters) would be trying/training to increase both disciplines, particularly at the combine.
I find the whole thing quite strange as guys with great verts have the same qualities needed to be a good sprinter (elasticity, great hip power, great achilles tendon/calf/ankle strength etc). Elastic strength is certainly one of the defining qualities of the fastest 100m sprinters. Is the distance just too short for the vert guys to show there true qualities (40m onwards)?.
Could training for a great vert in some way have a negative effect on the 40?/sprinting?. Again, the guys with great verts are also putting in max effort 40’s throughout the year, they show great elasticity, hip power, great achilles tendon/calf/ankle strength etc) but just aren’t able to hang in the 40.
So what gives?. Just sheer leg speed?, since both sets of athletes are explosive.
Its quite interesting.