Proven ways to improve a child's speed?

[Shamrocks]

Does anyone have some proven sites or drills that can improve a child's speed?

So much stuff out there you just don't know what is fake or what is the best of the stuff that works......

[ZACH]

speed is relative to strength which is based on genetics

getting someone stronger makes them faster

the form running is a way of strengthening the synapse...what im saying is "strengthening" is not always from resistence it can also be from repitition... a skill is perfected through repitition

so we have two ways now to get "faster" strengthening the muscles, tendons, ligaments. and using repitition of skill to build memory (synapse/muscle)

[jkoester]

Clark/Dum Coach has some stuff he uses that has worked.  I believe it's on one of his install DVD's for the DC Wing T, but not 100% sure.  I've just seen him discuss his success with it on here.

[ZACH]

Clark/Dum Coach has some stuff he uses that has worked.  I believe it's on one of his install DVD's for the DC Wing T, but not 100% sure.  I've just seen him discuss his success with it on here.

Its on the dcwt canada dvd

They are also in the dc46 manual... Speed drills are essential to the success of the dc46

[CoachCalande]

Does anyone have some proven sites or drills that can improve a child's speed?

So much stuff out there you just don't know what is fake or what is the best of the stuff that works......

Sprinting up hill, thats proven.

[Murph095]

Sprinting up hill, thats proven.

Where can i buy this hill thing?

[ExNC]

speed is relative to strength which is based on genetics

getting someone stronger makes them faster

the form running is a way of strengthening the synapse...what im saying is "strengthening" is not always from resistence it can also be from repitition... a skill is perfected through repitition

so we have two ways now to get "faster" strengthening the muscles, tendons, ligaments. and using repitition of skill to build memory (synapse/muscle)

Good stuff here.  That's why pro sprinters are so huge.  Weight lifting can make a huge difference, but 10 y/o is too young for that. 

You could have them run sprints.  I believe the general rule is that you pick a distance, and time how long it takes for them to complete it (usually less than 100 yds).  Then rest twice the length of time it took to complete the sprint, and repeat. The number of sprints and distance of each sprint are up to you.

Also, it's important that the kids run at a pace that allows them to maintain good form throughout the sprint.  This usually means that they're running at 70-80 percent of max speed.  Hope this helps.

[Michael]

Also, it's important that the kids run at a pace that allows them to maintain good form throughout the sprint.  This usually means that they're running at 70-80 percent of max speed.

Another way of doing that is by having them run at max speed, but only for distances over which they can maintain good form.  So early in the process, the distances will be extremely short.  As time goes by they will get longer.

[CoachCalande]

I believe that speed is best improved when you are able to run short distances with nearly full recovery between each repetition. For example, lets say you have a child run 6 30s...you dont run them with a winded kid, thats going to create a situation where he cant run hard enough to effect the muscle strength and speed. You want to let his breathing return to normal and have him train at much higher intensity level (90-100% effort).  If you dont let him recover between reps he will soon be training at only 65% or so.

Ultimately, it doesnt take long to run 6, 30s with full recovery between each.

after 3 weeks, bump it to 8 30s, then 10 30s...

just one more way to skin the same cat.

as conditioning occurs you will note that recovery (breathing returning to normal) time is much shorter.

[Daniel Lyons]

Put a raw steak in their back pocket and release a hungry dog.

[CoachShad]

Put a raw steak in their back pocket and release a hungry dog.

Trust me as ludicrous as that sounds that what I do when my backs start getting lazy.  I call it Fox and Hound.  I hold a player next to me (Hound) and give the RB (Fox) a 3 count to get going then release the Hound to chase him from behind.  You would be surprised how fast kids get if they are being pushed. 

I have some of Jack Gregory's Speed material and intend to get going on it this week. Now that the Holidays are over we can concentrate on doing it in between his weight lifting sessions.  My son may never have 4.5 Speed but I want him as close as we can get.  As much as Speed is important for Backs and Receivers, I would say that quickness is equally as important for Linebackers and Linemen.  Football is more about the Burst and quickness out of a redirection than it is about flat out speed.   For youth ball I would rate their Speed over 20 yards max.  That measures their ability to break away however,  more often than not, a player who has good acceleration (Burst) and the ability to change direction and get back to speed quickly (Quickness) is more valuable in the grand scheme of things. 

For example a Sprinter who has great speed and finishing "kick" would not fair well in a sport that requires sudden bursts of speed.  Renaldo Nehemiah and Willie Gault are two examples of Sprinters with World Class Speed that were average at the game of football.  Their speed was considerable and indeed stretched the defenses but their fuses were short as they left everything they had in a pattern and took a while to get their tanks full.  Not to mention that, if they were jammed, they could not restart as well once their stride was broken.  It's a different mentality and training methodology.       

[searider86]

I have some of Jack Gregory's Speed material     

Can you share?  I want to get my guys into some speed training in the offseason.

[CoachShad]

Visit Jacks Double Wing site and download the material.  Its not a one size fits all program and can be tailored to fit each kid needs. 

http://www.gregorydoublewing.com/

[searider86]

Thanks.  I'll check it out.

[Vince148]

Run up a hill.
Drag a tire or sled.
short distances, 20 yds at most. not a lot of reps, 3-6.

Jumps in place. Importance here is that the less time they spend on the ground, the faster they are.

Must develop hamstrings, glutes, low back and calf muscles. Kids can do bodyweight squats, KB squats and swings, lunges, toe raises, back raises, band good mornings.