Why Getting Stronger Doesn’t Make You Faster

SAID Principle –
Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands
In order for me to get faster, I am going to have to sprint. If you want to be faster at change of direction or linear speed, you have to train these things specifically.

Max Effort –
Must be done at 90% or above. These sprints can’t be done in a fatigued state or at 50%.

Shock Method –
This is a form of plyometrics. This is where we add repetitive jumping where we decrease the contact time and increase the height of the jump. It can be barrier jumps or low hurdle jumps. This is a quick rebound movement.

French Contrast –
This is where we apply all the principles together. This is where the strength component comes into play. We use weight training to train your body to recruit more muscle fibers. We follow the weight training with a loaded jump and an unloads plyometric followed by an assisted plyometric.

Plyometric – the ability to get off the ground at a high rate. The athlete is trying to generate the maximum amount of force in as little time as possible.

In summary, we incorporate these three forms of training to get our athletes faster and more explosive in all directions. Strength training alone is an incomplete program to develop speed.