Speed Training: Equipment | Soccer | Football | Tips

By Patricia | December 13, 2010

Speed Training Equipment And Tips

Speed is determined by how quickly the limbs are able to move. It forms an important part of many sports. It is an athlete’s strength, mobility, endurance and technique that influence his speed. Many athletes devote most of their training time to endurance. By giving adequate focus to speed training, one can significantly improve performance. Speed training programs should begin only after you have achieved a certain level of fitness. You should be able to run for 20 to 30 minutes at one time and you should have been involved in athletic activity for at least 3 months. A speed training drill may be incorporated into an interval training program. It can be done twice each week with about two days of recovery time between sessions. Some athlete’s make use of speed training equipment such as velocity trainers and acceleration ladders for a more intense workout. Here are some speed training tips to help you get started on boosting your speed.

A speed training drill should begin with a warm-up consisting of a 10 minute easy paced jog and some simple stretches. Proper posture and good form must be maintained to prevent fatigue during the drill. You will need to wear trainers during your drill. Maintaining proper form means that you must not bend forward at the waist. While pushing off, use the balls of the foot rather than the toes. Keep your eyes focused on the end of the course and swing the arms smoothly forwards and backwards. Men should pump the hands from the height of the shoulders till the hips. Women should pump from chest height to the hips. The elbows should remain at 90 degrees throughout and the shoulders and arms should be relaxed. You can perform 20 or 30 meter drills involving high step walking and jogging, skipping, heel kicks, crossovers and ladder drills. Plyometrics is also an important part of a speed training drill. It consists of movements such as bounding, hopping, obstacle jumping and tuck jumps. A cool-down session consisting of a slow 10 minute jog and body stretching exercises is a must.

Speed Training Soccer / Football

Speed training is also an important for soccer and football players. However it often does not find a place in the overall training program which is focused mainly on endurance building. Speed training for football involves conditioning the muscles to contract faster. Speed training in soccer usually consists of 3 to 5 sets of ten repetitions, with each repetition comprising of a drill or a sprint.

Save on Delicious

Related Blogs