ΔSprint10 as a Discriminative Metric for Sprint Acceleration Profiling in Elite Youth Footballers

This study investigated the utility of ΔSprint10—the difference between stationary and flying 10 m sprints—as a tool for assessing initial acceleration in elite youth footballers (n = 112, aged 15–18). Performance metrics (10 m, 20 m, and flying sprint times), vertical jumps (SJ, CMJ), and body composition were analyzed. Results showed ΔSprint10 strongly correlated with 10 m sprint performance (r = .805, p < .001) and effectively discriminated top sprinters (AUC = 0.912). However, neuromuscular and morphological variables (jump height, lean mass, fat percentage) had minimal predictive power (<5% variance explained). No significant differences in ΔSprint10 were found across age groups or playing positions, suggesting it is a universal metric for acceleration capacity. The findings highlight ΔSprint10 as a practical, discriminative tool for assessing sprint performance in youth footballers, independent of physical traits or positional demands. This metric could enhance talent identification and training focus on acceleration development.