Lift for Speed

Often times athletes think that speed development occurs a result of a particular drill, combination of drills, a focus on a particular part of the speed development cycle (gait, leg lift, arm action), then adding resistance to these drills or mechanical focus via rubber bands, parachutes, partner resistance, etc. The reality is, when enhancing speed, you need to not only create movement efficiency by enhancing speed mechanics, but also provide the strength and power to enhance ground contact force so the athlete is able to apply these mechanics to overcome gravity and cover ground each contact and stride. The analogy to this would be placing a go – cart engine in a Ferrari frame. The body is slick and pretty, built in an aerodynamic manner, but the engine is not strong enough to power the automotive athlete. The moral of the story is speed development is derived from an integrated training model of strength, efficiency, and power. When all  three are working together, speed is the end result.