WHY SPEED IS NOT IMPROVING

WHY SPEED IS NOT IMPROVING 

When a young athlete is not moving faster for their sports, it's time to figure out what the problem is and where it is coming from.  There are a few reasons, that I have noticed, as to why an athlete is not improving or moving up to their potential.   Here are the main reasons why speed has not improved this Summer: For youth athlete training or help with an injury, please click HERE or contact Will at Will@truetraining.pro POOR SPEED MECHANICS While running fast is not all about mechanics, its a good start.  Without efficient upper and lower body actions, an athlete will be missing out on moving faster and making gains in their speed.   Efficient arm actions, Leg actions, and proper posture of their upper body and hips is needed to reach top speeds.   If you watch your athlete and they are not moving as fast as they could, it could definitely be from poor mechanics.   Action Step:    contact a nearby speed coach and have them assess your young athlete's running form LIMITED MUSCLE FUNCTION Even if an athlete has good mechanics, without optimal muscle function, they will not ever be moving at their max speed.   Muscles produce forces and motions used for all kinds of athletic motions, including sprinting.  For example, if the muscles that bring your leg forward are not contracting/functioning well, that athlete wont be able to swing their leg forward and run well.   So if an athlete is not running as fast as they'd like or is not making gains, it could very well be a muscular related issue and in need of some Muscle Activation Techniques.   Action Step:    discuss your issue with a nearby Muscle Activation Techniques specialist and see if its a muscular related issue that they can help with  LACK OF EFFORT Sometimes kids just don;t have the effort needed to move faster.   In the speed training sessions I currently coach, I use a step-by-stop approach...I teach mechanics in the beginning, apply them at slower speeds in the middle, and then apply full speed at the end.  Effort is a big part of what I teach AND if its in combination with great speed mechanics, the athlete WILL MOVE MUCH BETTER.   So effort is a big part of what I teach and should be counted as a way to improve speed in a young athlete.   Action Step:   Try out a full speed session with a nearby speed coach, and watch the full speed application of the drills at the end.   If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, please click HERE or contact me at Will@truetraining.pro  Will Mieding  M.S., CSCS, RTS, MAT Rx 1227 Sagamore Parkway North Suite A 765-230-3770 www.truetraining.pro