Free Sample
The Complete Handbook of Speed & Resistance Parachutes
A Practical Reference for Coaches, Trainers, and Athletes: Selection, Rigging, Use, and Maintenance
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: Understanding Speed & Resistance Parachutes
A speed and resistance parachute is a small, unpowered drag device designed to be towed behind an athlete during sprinting. It consists of a fabric canopy, generally in the shape of a hemisphere or a bell, attached to the runner via a harness worn around the waist or, less commonly, the shoulders. When the athlete runs, the canopy inflates with air and creates aerodynamic drag, providing a resistance force that the runner must overcome. This simple mechanism is the entire basis for a training tool used to improve acceleration, power output, and top-end speed.
To understand what the device actually does, it is useful to consider the force it generates. The resistance you feel when running with a parachute is a function of the canopy's surface area, the square of the airspeed, and the air density. Doubling the running speed quadruples the drag force, which means the resistance is not constant like a weighted sled but builds proportionally with velocity. This is a critical distinction. In the first stride or two of a sprint, a parachute offers minimal resistance. As you accelerate into a full sprint, the drag increases exponentially. This load profile closely mimics the mechanics of overcoming inertia and air resistance in natural sprinting, but with a magnified effect.
The Mechanics of Drag
The physics at play are worth examining because they directly inform practical decisions about sizing and usage. Drag, in this context, is the aerodynamic force opposing the athlete's