How can we Develop Speed?

Speed is such a vital aspect of football. But if we aren't born with speed is there any way we can actually develop it?

Well read below and let us help you a bit faster for your upcoming season.

In football is is rare that we need to sprint distances over 20-30 meters in a match. Most of our movements come in the form of quick bursts over shorter distances. That is not to say that we do not need to sprint longer distances at times. But of we can increase our speed over those 20-30 meters, we can take our game to the next level.

Below are some tips on what we need to train to actually develop speed and get faster.

Step #1 - Produce Force

To produce speed the first thing you need to do is develop force. This is the power we can produce when we make contact with the ground. The more power you can produce he faster you can move.

Here are 2 ways that we can improve our force production.

1. Heavy movements such as squats and deadlifts can help our legs develop power.

2. Plyometrics that minimize ground contact time while maximizing force production.

Step #2 - Force Absorption

While we need to produce force to accelerate and sprint, we must also absorb force to change direction. (We can't sprint in a straight line forever) Absorbing force is the ability to stop your movement. For example, if you are in a full sprint, force absorption would be how quickly you can slow yourself down from that sprint.

Here are 2 ways we can improve force absorption

1. Plyometrics that work on landing to absorb force or decelerating after a movement (controlling your landing and absorbing the force)

2. Sprinting into a different form of deceleration such as on two legs, one leg, side on, etc.

Step #3 - Stride Mechanics

Things such as stride length, posture, and arm movements all play a role in our speed over longer distances. These may be slightly less important for footballers as opposed to track stars. But to get that little bit extra speed, working on these things can only benefit you in the long run (literally)

Step #4 - Lastly we Have to Talk About Genetics

Of course like much else in football. Genetics will play a huge role in your speed. Everyone has a certain limit they can reach naturally in terms of physical aspects. We can always improve things such as speed, but there is only so much we can actually do to get faster.

With that being said, many people don't actually know what their natural limitations are.

Our programs can help you get faster than you have ever been before: Check our our online coaching to let us help you take your game to the next level!

https://www.peaksoccertraining.com/online-coaching