Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) is the capacity to produce repeated short maximal sprints (typically under 10 seconds each) with brief recovery periods, maintaining performance across many efforts. It is one of the most important physical qualities in team sports like football, lacrosse, handball and field hockey, where players make dozens of short sprints with incomplete recovery throughout a match. RSA depends on both anaerobic power (to produce each sprint) and aerobic capacity (to recover between them rapidly). It is developed through repeated-sprint training and a strong aerobic base.
Key points
- Repeated short sprints, brief recovery
- Limited drop-off across many efforts
- Vital in invasion team sports
- Needs anaerobic power + aerobic recovery