Willie M

The benefits of speed training are almost so obvious that they need not be mentioned. But with all the positive elements on athletic performance that come with a structured speed training program, it is important to list some of these benefits in one place so that athletes can get a true feel for all that it has to offer.

The most significant benefit of speed training is the fact that, when done correctly, it will lead to far greater levels of success for athletes, no matter what sport they play or what their current skill level is. The best athletes in any sport are the fastest athletes. This is something that very few people will dispute. But most athletes are operating at, say, 50-60% of their full potential. A structured speed training program will ensure that athletes approach 100% of full capacity. Such an improvement will result in faster times for the individual athlete and more wins for the team.

In relation to improved speed comes the fact that speed training carries over to every sport. Since all athletes have similar weaknesses, developing speed and agility will result in increased success in every sport. That is why athletes, coaches and parents should not obsess over necessarily trying to find a sport specific speed training program for their athletes. Universal problems often need a universal solution and the truth is that most speed training programs contain significant carry over between skills.

Another benefit of speed training is that it increases self confidence. This is what I consider to be an indirect benefit, but that does not take away from its significance. I have seen athletes who were extremely shy and introverted blossom into personable, friendly and popular young adults because their speed training program generated such impressive results that it helped them realize that they were capable of much greater things than they gave themselves credit for.

I consider this to be one of the greatest benefits of speed training, but also to coaching as well. I believe that athletics can teach valuable life lessons to athletes. And that starts with using the most effective speed training methods available to us.

A well designed speed training program also helps reduce injuries. Once you understand the proper way to structure your speed days and your conditioning/recovery days, Athlete’s bodies will begin to adapt in the most optimal of ways. Since proper speed training works different energy systems at different times, one energy system is allowed to recover while another is placed under load. Most programs (due to lack of understanding that speed development requires a particular method) train all the energy systems at the same time. This leads to athletes overtraining and breaks their bodies down over time. Ultimately this leads to decreased performance towards the end of the season, also known as 'burnout'. At its worst overuse injuries and muscle pulls often occur and if one is bad enough, it can negatively impact an athlete for the rest of their athletic career.

Therefore, it is of critical importance that every athlete takes advantage of the many benefits of speed training.

So, in addition to increased speed, reduced injuries and increased self-confidence are also possible benefits of speed training.  That's cool don't you think?