Quick Tips for Speed Training
Doug Hix
There’s no denying that we want our children to enjoy athletics as much as possible.
Children are much more likely to have fun playing sports they succeed in,
and if there is one aspect of athletics that helps in every sport, it’s speed. If
we can lay the groundwork for our children to access all their natural speed, we
can ensure that we’ve given them the best chance for athletic success.
Speed is crucial to the success and improvement of any athlete. Improved
speed means benefits in many other areas of athleticism, including explosiveness,
flexibility and strength. Speed and quickness transcend every sport. You’ll never
hear a coach say, “Gee, I wish my player were slower.” If you are fast,
most coaches will give you a shot, regardless of the sport. When it comes
to sports, speed does kill.
As the founder of Play Fast Training System, I have trained some of the NFL’s
fastest athletes. World-class NFL athletes train a bit differently from
younger athletes, as they hone their technique to achieve peak levels of
speed. It is my belief that the most critical aspect of speed training
for younger athletes is not technique, but hustle.
Most younger athletes can’t put technique to use in such a way to enhance
performance. Children need to run, quite simply, and run fast. For children to
be fast, they need to train fast. The goal for improving your child’s speed
isn’t about perfecting technique, it’s about hustle. When taking the time
to work on speed, children should be encouraged to put everything they
have into every single step. It is absolutely crucial that there is no
letting up when it comes to speed training.
CLARITY
Speed training doesn’t involve being tired. Athletes need to be fresh and fast
every time they run. I normally give athletes 3-5 minutes of rest between
each rep. I want the athletes to be fully recovered before they run. Remember,
athletes need to be able to run as fast as they can every step.
SUGGESTIONS
1. Properly warm up before speed training. Most athletes aren’t ready to sprint
right off the bat. A proper warm-up will ensure the most effective workout.
2. During speed training, rest is just as important as the work. The only athlete
that can give everything he/she has into a workout is a well-rested one.
For a distance of less than 10 yards, give a minimum 1 minute of rest,
and for any distance more than 20 yards, allow a minimum 3 minutes of rest.
3. Speed training is for short distances: You are no longer training for speed
if you’re running more than 50 yards.
Myth: Once fast, always fast …
Truth: If you don’t use it, you lose it!
Was this article helpful to you?
Yes
|
No
