I need to get faster part II

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