The secret to training speed is moving faster than you did before

All athletes want to be faster.

Most have never truly trained for speed before.

Why?

Because just moving as fast as you can is not actually improving the speed that you can move.

It's making you better at moving at that exact speed but not any faster.

There are great benefits to moving quickly that are very important but increased speed is usually not one of them.

Here's an idea so simple that it has practically gone undiscovered:

If you want to increase speed, you need to move faster than you did the time before!

Otherwise, it's not speed training anymore!

Your brain has to learn that it is possible to go faster - that there is a new "gear" to be explored!

Typically what happens is athletes and coaches think they are training for speed when they do various kinds of plyometrics, but because they use too many sets/repetitions, eventually, speed diminishes and the quality they are now training becomes stamina.

So again, there is great value here BUT you're still not training speed, yet.

I've always referred to true speed training as "absolute speed."

Not just moving fast but actually moving faster than the time before.

How do you accomplish this?

Creativity of training and tools becomes paramount if absolute speed is the goal.

Understanding how to train inputs that result in a faster output is key.

This is where the brain-based approach rules.

Adequate recovery time in between sets is key and keeping repetitions extremely low is important.

Usually in most sports (not all) the goal is to move fast once before getting a quick break.

Reproducing speed training by the nature of the demands of your sport is essential.

If the Lacrosse player needs to shoot the ball once, why train for 10 in a row?

If the ski racer needs one fast start, why train for more?

Next time you train speed ask yourself - is this speed training or is it stamina training?

Both are important.

But, you need to know which one you are trying to accomplish.

About the Author:

Taylor Kruse, recently featured in Men's Health, is dedicated to empowering you with the truth and tools for improved health and performance.

His inspiration stems from more than 10 years of education and coaching through systems like Zhealth Performance, The Burdenko Method, and various movement practices.