Supersprinter,
The reason for the disparity between squatting numbers and speed lies in an analysis of basic sprint mechanics.
Sprinting essentially relies upon the rapid development of force. Because of this, maximum force capabilities are irrelevent, it is the ability to develop force over a limited a time (the positive half of the sprint cycle) that is the defining characteristic of speed.
The reason for any lifting is to improve the rate at which force can be developed.
I don’t think these two should be separated…
In fact, I find it more likely for the maximum force to positively affect its rate of development as well.
Others?
Sorry but I have no idea what you’re talking about 
Which 2 should not be separated???
My post was directed to Luca, sorry!
Supersprinter,
The reason for the disparity between squatting numbers and speed lies in an analysis of basic sprint mechanics.
Sprinting essentially relies upon the rapid development of force. Because of this, maximum force capabilities are irrelevent, it is the ability to develop force over a limited a time (the positive half of the sprint cycle) that is the defining characteristic of speed.
The reason for any lifting is to improve the rate at which force can be developed.
im with nikoluski on this one, P=dF/dt, you can manipulate and increase force or decrease reaction time only so much, finding the silver lining (which probably is individual) is what makes the great coach
I don’t disagree with you. Training for max force definetly has a positive effect on rate of force development, and this is why we bother training it.
But, there is NO way any human is going to be able to reach there maximum unilateral force output in the limited time available in the sprint cycle. This is why powerlifters can’t sprint.
The fastest guys develop the most force between beginning to accelerate the foot downward, and ground contact.
I disagree, the reason why powerlifters can’t sprint is because most of them are way too heavy!!
Powerlifters that weigh 180 lbs and can squat 700 lbs are very rare, I know of only 2.
Plus they don’t sprint, which doesn’t help either… 
Luca, not sure I fully understand your last sentense. What do you mean by “beginning to accelerate the foot downward”?
In my opinion it works the other way round.
Thoughts!
One of them was Ben Johnson and he could sprint like crazy!!! 
The reason someone with ‘chicken legs’ can run sub-11 is because of advantageous muscle insertions/very good RATE development (high powered CNS)/and numerous other factors you can’t see in a weight workout log. Notice those chicken legs most likely have what appears to be an extremely high calf?
Another factor is the elasticity of the achilles tendon. This is not measurable in a squat and is why many stacked dudes get dusted in the 100m by beanpoles.
There are thousands of powerlifters who are not 350 lbers who can squat many, many plates. Even if those 700+ squatters who weigh 200 lbs trained for sprinting, they would not be Ben Johnson.
What matters is how fast you can display power. When running, you don’t have that 1-3 seconds that a max squat takes so some people just can’t use all the strength they have to push themselves down the track.
Excellent post but I dont think you’re telling the whole picture.
Jose Canseco wrote in his book that he had average speed when he first started in the minors at age 19, he then started heavy weight lifting working his fast twitch muscles and became one of the fastest men in baseball.
He writes in his book he could run faster then Rickey Henderson. This tells me that you can greatly improve your sprint time regardless of genetics.
Another interesting article is this:
http://www.planetfieldhockey.com/PFH/Item-View-2201-57
My favourite line in it is:
Primarily, it is force that enables you to move faster. Simply try to move faster without exerting greater force. If you discover a method to the contrary, share it with the automobile industry and become wealthy. Now consider elementary physics – that moving a resistance from point A to B (distance) requires force and a magnitude of time to complete the lift. Add it all together and you have the prescription for power, which is force x distance ÷ time, or the rate of doing work
I agree with it because the fundamental law of increasing speed is strength, the stronger your legs are the harder you can push off the ground and defeat gravity which in turn translates into faster running time.
canseco is one of just 3 40-40 guys, bu tas fast as rickey??no way!
Very true I have chicken legs/ weak squat (230lb max) / high calfs and run 10.8x
What I am interested in knowing though, if all else were equal and my squat increased to 400lb would I get faster?
Thats what he says in his book, remember Canseco wasnt a leadoff hitter so basestealing wasnt a priority, hence the lower amount of stolen bases compared to Rickey.
Much, much faster, but the key is to not gain weight in the process.
Most sprinters are under 190 lbs.
Usually between 160 and 180
Conseco also likes to toot his horn quite a bit. I wouldn’t really believe most of what he has to say.
It’s pretty easy to say increase the force, but the trick is figuring out how to apply a slow moving squat to the fastest movement humans can do–sprinting. I can promise you that Asafa is not a 600lb squatter, nor is Gatlin as of last season (although, idk about this season).
Interesting theory. At the moment im 150-155lb at 6ft so thats pretty thin. I want to gain strength, but isn’t hypertrophy induced strength still useful? I mean, I think at 150-155lb I am underweight and would like to get up to 165lb, while increasing my strength. I just get this feeling that my optimum power:weight ratio is not at 155lb lol…
What are your thoughts on this? Thanks
i believe that weight gain should be the byproduct of athletic training, not the main focus. continue to train hard and over the years your body will take on the proportions that are most effecient in your given sport.
Agreed, I eat alot of but its not as if Im on a mass gain training program.
Thanks
What Colbert said is true, you will gain some weight while lifting weights but you should have a target body weight and stick to it.
155 Lbs at your height is too low but weight gain will come with working out.
At 6 feet I’m guessing your target weight for a sprinter should be around 180 to 185 lbs
And how much was his weigh (and heigh)?