Bolt and the 40?

At the NFL combine, players are timed by hand at 40yds. From sports scientists, Bolt's time at 40m (43.7445yds) is 4.64s for his WR 9.58 100m. Subtracting his reaction time of 0.146s, a FAT to hand time conversion of 0.24s and assuming his speed is relatively constant from 20 to 40 meters, we can approximate his 40yd dash time to be 3.95s.

source:

http://www.sportsscientists.com/2009/08/analysis-of-bolts-958-wr.html

That about covers that.

I'm going to guess that Asafa Powell would be the fastest ever in the football 40. He's tremendous at the start and obviously very fast.

There's a big factor you are leaving out.

Bolt ran his time on a track and accelerated from a 4 point start position.

Combine 40's are run on grass and usually from a 3 point start position.

Bolt probably would have hit 4.10-4.20 on the grass. His larger strides and greater impact force would cause longer ground contact initially.

Also Bolt had a great start in his 9.58, one of his best. In the combine you only get 2 chances, many of those who run fast times in the combine could probably go faster if given more opportunities.

You speak the truth. I will agree with your analyis.

Could LeBron James hit a 9 dart 501 finish?

Could Michael Phelps jump over 7 feet in the high jump?

Seriously, dude. Who gives a sh*t?

Considering this question has been asked a lot (in this forum and out), I'm going to say a lot of people do.

the point being? wrote:

Could LeBron James hit a 9 dart 501 finish?

Could Michael Phelps jump over 7 feet in the high jump?

Seriously, dude. Who gives a sh*t?

During Usain Bolt's world record of 9.58 he went through the 40 yard dash mark (36.58 meters) in 4.29 seconds.

His reaction time was .146. In a NFL 40 yard dash they go off the athletes movement and do not use reaction time so that would be 4.144.

Then you put in that he is on grass (or artificial turf), in cleats, and does not have blocks. So he is probably a consistent 4.30 guy in a football setting.

You are forgetting that Bolt's time was taken using FAT timing vs hand times in the 40. It is universally recognized that 0.24s are added to hand times in events less than 400m. Without blocks and on grass he would be a little slower, but I think it is more in line with spankles estimate of 4.1-4.2

dfajpvneri wrote:

You are forgetting that Bolt's time was taken using FAT timing vs hand times in the 40. It is universally recognized that 0.24s are added to hand times in events less than 400m. Without blocks and on grass he would be a little slower, but I think it is more in line with spankles estimate of 4.1-4.2

NFL combines use laser timing. The university I am at even uses laser timing for official school records. NFL scouts are the only ones still using hand times at pro day when they visit universities. That is when they start saying they clocked guys at 4.2 when it is a 4.5 guy.

Do The Math wrote:

During Usain Bolt's world record of 9.58 he went through the 40 yard dash mark (36.58 meters) in 4.29 seconds.

His reaction time was .146. In a NFL 40 yard dash they go off the athletes movement and do not use reaction time so that would be 4.144.

Then you put in that he is on grass (or artificial turf), in cleats, and does not have blocks. So he is probably a consistent 4.30 guy in a football setting.

Whatever time he did he would leave those guys for dead - there times are a crock with lies on top his are accurate

I like to gamble and would put the lot on him at peak against any person oustide athletics - athletics means t&f because they are the true athletes the rest are playing games

and Jessica Ennis is rhe xfit champion not that muppet they had on the news over here this morning

If the could beat him they would at least run a 60 indoors to prove the point. They would be shown up after 1m!

dfajpvneri wrote:

At the NFL combine, players are timed by hand at 40yds. From sports scientists, Bolt's time at 40m (43.7445yds) is 4.64s for his WR 9.58 100m. Subtracting his reaction time of 0.146s, a FAT to hand time conversion of 0.24s and assuming his speed is relatively constant from 20 to 40 meters, we can approximate his 40yd dash time to be 3.95s.

source:

http://www.sportsscientists.com/2009/08/analysis-of-bolts-958-wr.html

I believe football players also have the advantage of RUNNING STARTS. The timers start their watches when the runner passes the start line.

Plus Bolt know he has to maintain from for 100m, even sprinters don't go 100% for full 100m

Do The Math wrote:

dfajpvneri wrote:

You are forgetting that Bolt's time was taken using FAT timing vs hand times in the 40. It is universally recognized that 0.24s are added to hand times in events less than 400m. Without blocks and on grass he would be a little slower, but I think it is more in line with spankles estimate of 4.1-4.2

NFL combines use laser timing. The university I am at even uses laser timing for official school records. NFL scouts are the only ones still using hand times at pro day when they visit universities. That is when they start saying they clocked guys at 4.2 when it is a 4.5 guy.

Thats funny. I probably clocked 4.5 today several times, in 150's in flats. I guess I better go sign up for the NFL draft.

Scouts are notoriously bad, and most don't understand true speed when they see it. The very fastest people, don't look that fast to the untrained eye.

Don't get out much do ya?

I was thing 4.10, can't go with sub4.0.

I think the consensus would be...4.1...that sounds about right.

the point being? wrote:

Could LeBron James hit a 9 dart 501 finish?

Could Michael Phelps jump over 7 feet in the high jump?

Seriously, dude. Who gives a sh*t?

Amen brother! And what a dumb question; Bolt is ahead at 40 yards less than half the time in a big time final anyway.

Wondering what the worlds fastest human of all time could run a football 40 in is dumb? I seriously doubt it.