By Lisle Track Coach Ken Jakalski This video shows athletes starting at a certain point on the track based on their individual ASR speed regression calculation. Instead of running a set distance in particular time, they are trying to cover a specific distance within that time. There are many advantages and benefits to this kind […]
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5 Ways to Use Immediate Feedback in Training
The common approach to working with athletes is giving feedback, both qualitative and and quantitative during training and sometimes after practice. While objective information is important, the science sometimes has to be balanced with the art in giving the right amount and type of information back to the athlete. When an athlete is self trained or on on their own, feedback is necessary to get an idea of progress. In this article we will look at different approaches in using timing with other objective indicators to see what ways may work for individual athletes and specific circumstances.
Read MoreKen Jakalski ITCCCA 2014 Presentation Notes
Ken Jakalski is head track and field coach at Lisle High School As a sprint coach, my concerns should be answering two fundamental questions. First, I’d like to know what really determines how much force a sprinter can apply to the ground considering that time to apply these forces decreases with increases in speed. I […]
Read MoreFight, Flight, and Freeze—How Timing Athletes Increases Performance
Have you ever been nervous before a race or game and had your best performance? Have you been to a small competition and felt flat and bored and performed miserably but were physically ready? The arousal factor is one of the most important areas that can help or hinder performance but for some unexplained reason it is rarely talked about. In this article we will show why anxiety is a magic cauldron of chemicals in the body that can make or break a performance.
Read MoreHow much do track spikes improve times in the sprints?
In this article we will explore the actual research on what makes track spikes faster options than regular sneakers or running barefoot. Much of the focus with athletes is the spikes themselves, rather than the hard sole and shape of the forefoot. Besides looking for comfortable and light spikes, athletes should focus on the choosing the model that has the optimal stiffness that delivers the matching response unique to their needs.
Read MoreTop 5 Performance Tests for Team Sports
Every sport is different, but many field sports that involve running have similarities in demands, and testing the player abilities can ensure the performance program is properly developing the athlete. When setting priorities in training, a baseline test early in the preparatory phase is essential to creating realistic goals based on the amount of time one has to train and the starting point of the athlete based on the results.
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