In this episode, we dive into one of the most misunderstood areas in high school Strength & Speed programs: Speed Training. Too many programs either neglect speed work entirely or train it ineffectively, leaving a huge gap in athletic development. This episode covers the most common mistakes coaches make with speed training—and how to fix them.

Main Takeaways

* Not Sprinting Year-Round – Speed is a skill that needs consistent training, just like strength. Sprinting should be part of every phase.

* Using the Wrong Sprint Drills – Too much focus on technique drills, ladders, and slow-motion work instead of actual sprinting.

* Overusing Heavy Resisted Sprinting – Too much resistance alters mechanics and slows down athletes instead of making them faster.

* Not Measuring Speed & Progress – If you’re not timing sprints, you’re guessing. Regular tracking keeps athletes engaged and helps refine training.

* Confusing Agility Drills with Speed Training – Ladder drills and cone drills don’t replace sprint work. Agility and speed should be trained separately.

Link to Full Newsletter

Fixing Speed Training: Why Most Schools Get It Wrong

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Contact

Preston Pedersen, M.S.Ed., CSCS

* Email: [email protected]

* Twitter: @CoachPedersenMV

* Website: www.PursuitPE.com

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