Part 1: Actual Drills to improve speed ASAP.
by Kevin Haag, CSCS. Speed and Agility Coach
We are starting with the actually drill so that our young athletes can practice them and improve on-field speed immediately. Be sure to check with your coach to make sure they are being done perfectly!!
I Believe, (Speed = Biomechanics + Force + Power)
Therefore
- Step 1) Learn Proper Sprinting Mechanics and Fundamentals
- Step 2) Increase Power – You need muscles to move fast
- Step 3) Generate force into the ground
Speed is a skill….Skills are learned……so, therefore speed can be learned:
Below are 3 drills to improve each of these areas. For you to elicit change in your body, you must perform these drills at 100% and with consistency. Not in any area of life, will 1 hour a week change or improve anything. Perform these drills 3 times a week for immediate results.
Fundamental Mechanics of Sprinting
Although not an individual segment of mechanics in sprinting, posture is the foundation that allows the other techniques to be performed properly. Listed below are components of posture:
- Erect body with hips under the center of mass
- The head is looking straight with the chin slightly in.
- The pelvis should be neutral or slightly posterior to allow for complete cycling of the legs.
- The chest should be up and the shoulders back (neutral) to allow for proper swing action of the arms from the shoulder joint.
Once proper posture is established, the actions of the legs and the phases in which they should go through will be more efficient.
Step 1: Mechanics Drills
- Seated Arm Action. “Arm Speed Controls Leg Speed) 1) Rotation at shoulder 2) Elbow at 90 degrees 3) Thumb moves from cheek-to-cheek
- Wall Drill – 1 – 3 – 5 Counts. Set-up: Straight Line from head-shoulders-hips-knees-ankle. Wall: wrists at shoulder height
- Acceleration A-Run. Faster Movement with High Knees
Step 3 Power Drills: Get Stronger and more powerful
Step 2 Force Drills: Put Force into the ground
K2 Athletic Performance Training 