Technique and Tactics of Elite Female Race Walkers

Abstract

The performance level and overall competitiveness in the women’s 20km race walk have both increased at a particularly fast rate since the event was included in the programme of the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in 1999 and the Olympic Games in 2000. This situation means that the demands on athletes aspiring to toplevel success are also increasing, necessitating in-depth analysis of the event as the basis for further improvement. The paper presents data on the variants of tactics used by the world’s elite in recent years and the biomechanical characteristics of the best athletes at 2014-2016 Ukrainian national championships. Based on his analysis, the author concludes that the following methodical approaches be developed: a) optimum expansion of the volume of race walking at competitive and higher velocity with accentuation of stride length increase, 2) use of race walking at varying velocities aimed at developing the ability for gradual and sharp increases in velocity in the last segments of the race, 3) searching for and using the most efficient special and auxiliary means (of strength, speed-strength, coordination direction, etc.) aimed at a more effective take-off and enhanced hip joint mobility.