For most coaches, plyometrics are an enigma. We know that plyometrics improve performance, but there is so little information available that we don’t know how plyometrics do what they do. Information on the value plyometrics have specifically for speed development is especially sparse, outside a few studies on acceleration. Even a solid definition of plyometrics is hard to nail down because the handful of experts on the topic use differing terms to label various jumping exercises.
Read MoreCarl Valle
Speed Development in the Horizontal and Vertical Jumps
Looking at world record and Olympic medalists, a clear pattern exists with velocities and jumping performances. And the pattern clearly indicates that speed matters.
Read MoreFour Essentials for a Perspective on Speed from Childhood to Life’s Last Race
A frequently asked question is how fast athletes in sports apart from track and field, where the precision of timing is well established, really are. Other vitals, such as height and weight, are readily accepted, but benchmarks on speed in field sports are viewed with skepticism given the problems with timing accuracy and achieving common-ground testing.
Read MoreRhythm: The Key to Relaxation and Speed
For years we have heard the phrase relax and win, where relaxing is heralded as the secret to speed, to winning. Relaxation is essential. But what facilitates relaxation when sprinting at speed? The answer may be rhythm, a lesser-known quality that may be more important than we think for speed. In this article, we will explore what rhythm is and what we can do in training to improve it.
Read MoreWhat is the Future of CrossFit and How is Technology Changing the Game?
Ignoring the rise of popularity of CrossFit is impossible now that thousands of gyms, or what is referred as boxes are all over the world. What started out in Washington fourteen years ago is now a major factor in group exercise, and many similarities to general preparation training in sport and CrossFit. You don’t have to be an elite athlete or even CrossFit participant to learn how to add Freelap timing to your training.
Read More6 Priorities for Hosting a Pro Style Combine
Thinking of hosting a combine to raise money or awareness of your facility? Testing athletes is growing and it doesn’t take much to get started. With good planning and follow-through, high school teams can use combine testing, evaluating a player’s athletic abilities, easily with some old fashioned word of mouth and having the right people involved.
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