Do the squat and deadlift improve sprinting speed? Since I first entered into the speed training realm, there has always been some degree of debate amongst many professionals concerning whether or not the squat and or deadlift was necessary for increasing human running speed. In this article we will explore several studies and sub-topics and…
Archives for coaching sprinters
“Your Focus Needs More Focus”
Each year I notice that midway through the indoor season the focus of the sprints group starts to dwindle. After the initial excitement of getting acclimated to the team setting and traveling to meets fades, athletes have adapted to a routine that might not seem as appealing as before. But this time of the season…
See you at the 2012 U.S. All Star T&F Clinic in Atlantic City?
I’ll be giving three presentations at this year’s US All Star T&F Clinic in Atlantic City on December 13- 14, 2012. As you probably know, this is one of the biggest clinics in the US so I highly recommend you attend if you can get there. You will certainly leave a better coach. I’m scheduled…
3 Reasons Sprinters Fall Apart at the End of Races
Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of attending a 6 hour freshman/sophomore meet. The meet was very well run, it was just, you know, a 6 hour freshman/sophomore meet. I can’t tell you how many times I watched sprinters fall apart at the end of races. So, I’m standing there, minding my own business and…
Why even bother doing that drill?
Last week, I shared a new (to me) drill for teaching acceleration. However, since the athletes in the video displayed poor posture, poor mechanics (or both), there was some disagreement about the viability of the drill. And that brings us to an important teachable moment: You cannot separate reality from the observer. I may think…
Cold Weather Training Options
I live in New England where it stays cold until the end of the spring season. So I know my sprinters, jumpers and hurdlers will be practicing and competing in the cold, wind and snow. Since using distance runs, long/slow intervals and other methods of high volume, low intensity training do not prepare speed/power athletes…
Workouts and Training During Breaks
For me, the holiday season or any extended break always brings about a sense of nervousness. It is less likely that I’ll worry if my wife will like the new pair of shoes I bought her, or how much snow I’ll have to shovel to clear the driveway. What keeps me up at night is…
Testing
Every November for the past 10 years, I have tested my sprinters in order to improve the training for each individual athlete, and to help me become a better coach. All of the tests that I use are designed around specific track and field events. Testing is beneficial for both the athletes as well as…
Measuring what Matters Part 4- Speed Endurance
Measuring what Matters Part 4- Speed Endurance By Carl Valle Speed Endurance can be generalized and the ability to sustain a velocity at the end of a sprint race, provided the athlete distributed the effort properly. Speed Endurance is specific not only to the event, but it’s also specific to the program, time of year,…