Two athletes arrive for training to make them faster. After an evaluation its determined that both athletes are slow. The solution? Speed training right?

Maybe….maybe not.

Depends on your definition of speed training. Some define speed training as running mechanics, and sprint training- but is that always the answer?

Athlete # 1 may not know how to run, has sloppy mechanics and poor form. In that case speed training would help. Working on the movement of running- head position, arms action, and leg drive. Refining how they move and then applying it to sprints.

Athlete # 2 is incapable of running correctly. Tight hips and poor core strength don’t allow the athlete’s body to move as a unit. While running the body is working harder on not falling more than it is at generating speed. In this case speed training would be ineffective. Most likely it would simply make the athlete miserable. Running on its own is hard. When you’re body is incapable of effectively running it becomes even more difficult.

Athlete #2 may actually be quite fast, but is unable to tap into that speed because the body is acting more like the brakes on a car than the accelerator. How fast can you drive if you have one foot on the gas and the other on the brake. Release the brakes and the car runs smoother and is more efficient.

How do you release the brakes? Focus on getting the body to move as a unit. Improve flexibility- especially around the hips and hamstrings. Build strength through the hip and core to allow the body to have a solid foundation at the trunk. In essence get the parts of the body to work together instead of fighting each other.

The result- Improved speed and athletic ability.

Isn’t that the point of training?

Mark Crabtree MS, ATC, CSCS is the Director of Sports Performance at the Chicago Bulls Chicago White Sox Training Academy. Contact Mark at (630)324-8248 or mcrabtree@bullssoxacademy.com. Check out the EXPLOSION blog for more tips on becoming a better athlete.