SPEED SECRET SEVEN -THE TORTOISE

SPEED SECRET SEVEN-THE TORTOISE APPROACH NORMALLY WINS WITH YOUNG DEVELOPING ATHLETES

It may sound strange talking about the Tortoise in a speed secret article however it is vital that a patient approach is taken to speed development in young developing athletes.

Parents and players must take a long term view when they commit to a speed development program as when changes of technique are been undertaken this can be a slow process and athletes may feel they are going more slowly initially. There is a tendency to look for immediate results when we should be looking at initially building a solid foundation of technique that will allow the development of power and speed as strength develops. Many players come to speed camps expecting to be faster at the end of the week –this is a recipe for problems! This type of attitude is why steroids in sport have become a bigger problem in younger athletes in recent years. Athletes have been using steroids for rapid gains without considering severe side effects because they are not looking at the long term approach.

Coaches must also be aware that there are many methods that can produce almost immediate effects e.g. plyometrics / resistance training .However without a good foundation of technique the chances of overuse injury and reduced long term development are high. It is very important that we as coaches take the long term development view as the priority even if it is another coach in the future who will see the gains from our work-let’s remember our priority is the long term development of the athlete not reflected glory from short term gains.

SO REMEMBER THE SPEED SECRET SEVEN -THE TORTOISE