I need to get faster part II
By Jared Bidne CSCS
As we have learned in “I need to get faster part I”, the ability to accelerate faster is dependent upon the force production capability of the body particularly in the legs. Strength training helps us to increase our muscles capability of producing force. We will learn later that the ability to produce the force quickly is also a factor.
Initially for non-trained individuals strength training is all they will need. Over time as the athlete increases his or her strength he or she will reach a point were strength training alone will not get them faster. With strength training the body’s ability to produce force increases but when it reaches the point to where the athlete does not become faster as a result of strength training. Strength training will then have to be supplemented with plyometric activities. Plyometric training helps to increase the rate at which the body produces force. To put it more simplistic, plyometics will help us use the new strength as functional strength. The faster you reach your muscles capability, the better you will be at in a given movement. In other words you do not want to be speeding up when the race is over. Furthermore, speed training is a new fancy way to say plyometric training and should be supplemented with strength training, not used as a replacement for. Weight training along with speed training is a step process. If the athlete does not have sufficient strength to begin plyometrics/speed training he or she could become seriously injured. To learn more or for questions or comments log on to http://www.explosivemechanics.com/ or e-mail info@explosivemechanics.com
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I Need To Get Faster Part 1
I NEED TO GET FASTER
By Jared Bidne CSCS
I hear these words very often and truth be told everyone can become faster. The approach to become faster is often the turning point. Many of today’s athletes and coaches are caught up in speed performance. The thing that most do not know is how to improve speed. One may think that working on speed mechanics is the answer, but do not know that speed mechanics performed imperfectly or before the athlete is physically, mentally, or technically ready for them may develop and reinforce bad technique, which will have a negative impact on the athletes speed and could lead to injuries. I mention speed mechanics because they are different from speed drills. Speed drills are often plyometric activities used to help create a faster rate of force development. Some may think running while pulling a heavy sled or tire is a good idea, but it will actually decrease your running speed by altering your running mechanics if the sled is not properly loaded. Others may think you just have to run more to get faster, but if you run more than twice per week at max velocity it could have a negative impact on the central nervous system. The underlying fact to true speed is a good solid foundation of strength and strength in the appropriate muscle groups. Think about it this way, if you want your car to go faster do you change its looks or do you beef up the engine?
According to the author of Explosive Running, it is generally understood among sprinters that strength training can lead to greater speed and power. Depending on the type of weight-training program you undertake, you can improve running technique, increase stride length and frequency, increase speed, prevent injury, and increase muscular and aerobic endurance. For most sports athletes do not have to run very far, and the athlete’s ability to accelerate his or her body mass during sprinting is dependent upon the force production capability of the body, particular lower limb musculature. In a recent article published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association there is question about whether mastery of technique is important for athletes that are not participating in track and field sports. Moreover, technical considerations for the acceleration phase of running have less importance than for a typical sprinting event. Most athletes are always acclerating, running no more than 15 to 20 yards at a time. Therefore, the force capability of muscle is the most important consideration in developing sports speed. To learn more or for questions and comments e-mail info@explosivemechanics.com or log onto http://www.explosivemechanics.com/
By Jared Bidne CSCS
I hear these words very often and truth be told everyone can become faster. The approach to become faster is often the turning point. Many of today’s athletes and coaches are caught up in speed performance. The thing that most do not know is how to improve speed. One may think that working on speed mechanics is the answer, but do not know that speed mechanics performed imperfectly or before the athlete is physically, mentally, or technically ready for them may develop and reinforce bad technique, which will have a negative impact on the athletes speed and could lead to injuries. I mention speed mechanics because they are different from speed drills. Speed drills are often plyometric activities used to help create a faster rate of force development. Some may think running while pulling a heavy sled or tire is a good idea, but it will actually decrease your running speed by altering your running mechanics if the sled is not properly loaded. Others may think you just have to run more to get faster, but if you run more than twice per week at max velocity it could have a negative impact on the central nervous system. The underlying fact to true speed is a good solid foundation of strength and strength in the appropriate muscle groups. Think about it this way, if you want your car to go faster do you change its looks or do you beef up the engine?
According to the author of Explosive Running, it is generally understood among sprinters that strength training can lead to greater speed and power. Depending on the type of weight-training program you undertake, you can improve running technique, increase stride length and frequency, increase speed, prevent injury, and increase muscular and aerobic endurance. For most sports athletes do not have to run very far, and the athlete’s ability to accelerate his or her body mass during sprinting is dependent upon the force production capability of the body, particular lower limb musculature. In a recent article published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association there is question about whether mastery of technique is important for athletes that are not participating in track and field sports. Moreover, technical considerations for the acceleration phase of running have less importance than for a typical sprinting event. Most athletes are always acclerating, running no more than 15 to 20 yards at a time. Therefore, the force capability of muscle is the most important consideration in developing sports speed. To learn more or for questions and comments e-mail info@explosivemechanics.com or log onto http://www.explosivemechanics.com/
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