Speed Training - 3 Ways to Develop Linear Speed in the Competitive Athlete!

Linear speed is a fancy way of saying "Fast." However, it is specific to running fast in a straight line. We all have wanted to be fast a one time or another and that mindset has certainly not changed in today's competing athletes. I have spent the last 8 years of my life working with athletes at all levels of competition. The two things that they all have in common is that they want to be strong and fast!

The first and most basic variable in building linear speed is making sure that your running mechanics are sound. Too many athletes have poor running form, or technique and usually end up wasting a lot of motion when they are trying to develop speed. The fastest distance between two points is a straight line and often when athletes run there arm and foot placement causes them to shift from side to side when accelerating into a sprint. This is the first and most basic principle in building speed and can be quickly improved.

The next step is by loading the athlete in order to create resistance for resistance speed training. The athlete can be resisted in a number of ways ranging from a bungee chord device, weighted vest, or resistance rope. This resistance adds additional stress to the athlete's body causing his or her muscles to adapt and contract more forcefully due to being trained in this fashion.

Finally, the last method I want to discuss is assisted speed training. Some examples of this can include running with the assistance of a bungee chord device, an over-stride trainer device, or by running on a slight down hill slope. This causes the athlete to run at a faster pace than he or she is capable. By doing this the athlete takes longer quicker strides than normal. This in turn stimulates the nervous system causing the muscles to contract in rapid succession.

These three steps should be carefully studied before applying if you attempt them on your own. I will say that these examples are pretty basic in nature, but that with proper instruction and application your linear speed will drastically improve! In other words, "You'll get Faster!"

To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at:http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.htmlI'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!