5 Drills to Improve Vertical Force and Run Really Fast
In a transformative seminar led by Dr. Peter Weyand at Benedictine University, the concept of sprinting speed was revolutionized. Weyand’s research emphasized that ground force, not leg speed, is the key determinant of sprinting success. This groundbreaking insight shifted the focus from traditional sprint drills to the importance of generating greater force against the ground. Coaches and athletes began to rethink their training methods, exploring new ways to enhance strength and stiffness, and optimize sprint performance. This paradigm shift has had a lasting impact on speed development and athletic training.
Too Many Notes
In sports training, sometimes less is more. Just as legendary musicians like Miles Davis and BB King mastered the art of restraint, athletes can achieve greater performance by focusing on the essentials and avoiding overtraining. This article explores how simplifying workouts, like cutting down on unnecessary exercises, led to significant improvements in a track team’s 40-yard dash times. It also highlights the dangers of over-scheduling young athletes, who risk fatigue and injury by trying to do too much. Ultimately, knowing when not to train can be just as crucial as the training itself.
The 4.4 40
Hand-timed sprints can lead to misleading results, especially when high school athletes claim fast 40-yard dash times like 4.4 seconds. This article explores the inaccuracies of hand-timing compared to electronic timing, highlighting how variables such as shoes, surfaces, and timing methods affect sprint performance. It emphasizes the importance of using reliable electronic timing systems to accurately measure speed and performance, offering a reality check for athletes and coaches who rely on stopwatch timing. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone serious about tracking true athletic progress.