zancada

Zancada is a feminine noun in Spanish that refers to the length of a step or the act of stepping in general. It describes the distance covered by one step in walking or running, and by extension a long or brisk step. In athletic and biomechanical contexts, zancada is used to discuss stride length and running technique, as in the relationship between cadence and zancada to optimize performance.

Usage and variations. Common expressions include dar una zancada (to take a step, to stride), acortar la zancada (to shorten the stride), and alargar la zancada (to lengthen the stride). A longer zancada can indicate speed or a particular running form, but excessive length without control may reduce efficiency or increase injury risk. Zancada also appears in everyday language to describe walking style or progress, for example, entering a room with a decisive zancada.

Etymology and context. The term is of Spanish origin and is widely used in Spain and Latin American Spanish. It is related to notions of movement and measurement of how far one moves with each step. In biomechanics and sports science, zancada is often analyzed alongside cadence to evaluate gait and propulsion.

See also. Related terms include paso and zancada larga or zancada corta, with comparable English counterparts such as stride or step.