Athletic Development - Advanced Sports Training Techniques

“The more I train, the more I realize I have more speed in me.”
-Leroy Burrell

Quite often, the player who determines the outcome between winning or losing, is he/she who is able to gain the first step over an opponent and distance himself/herself from the competition. Speed, is the component of physical ability that provides this edge.

Speed development encompasses the coordination of both nerves and muscles, and the ability of the central nervous system to eliminate as many braking and friction movements as possible. Our direction for speed training focuses on augmenting specific sprint characteristics while emphasizing proper running technique.

Technique Analysis
Observation and video analysis of running technique during drive phase and acceleration provides valuable feedback concerning body positioning. This information is used by Fit-Zone coaches to emphasize correct sprinting biomechanics, such as support of the body on the balls of the feet, and explosively coordinating triple extension of the hip, knee and ankle.

Sprint Characteristics
Stride length, stride frequency, specific endurance, and reaction time are distinctive qualities Fit-Zone emphasizes while training for maximum acceleration and speed. These characteristics are addressed through specific flexibility training and various exercises, which utilize training tools such as speed ladders and over-speed ropes.

Sprint Performance
Aside from developing specific sprint characteristics, the primary muscles involved during sprinting must be conditioned appropriately. Fit-Zone develops this musculature in order to achieve speed-strength (explosive movement against a relatively light resistance) and strength-speed (quick application of force against a large resistance). Speed-strength training involves the use of medicine balls and plyometrics, while strength-speed training incorporates various methods of Olympic-style weightlifting.


		“The more I train, the more I realize I have more speed in me.” -Leroy Burrell Quite often, the player who determines the outcome between winning or losing, is he/she who is able to gain the first step over an opponent and distance himself/herself from the competition. Speed, is the component of physical ability that provides this edge. Speed development encompasses the coordination of both nerves and muscles, and the ability of the central nervous system to eliminate as many braking and friction movements as possible. Our direction for speed training focuses on augmenting specific sprint characteristics while emphasizing proper running technique. Technique Analysis Observation and video analysis of running technique during drive phase and acceleration provides valuable feedback concerning body positioning. This information is used by Fit-Zone coaches to emphasize correct sprinting biomechanics, such as support of the body on the balls of the feet, and explosively coordinating triple extension of the hip, knee and ankle. Sprint Characteristics Stride length, stride frequency, specific endurance, and reaction time are distinctive qualities Fit-Zone emphasizes while training for maximum acceleration and speed. These characteristics are addressed through specific flexibility training and various exercises, which utilize training tools such as speed ladders and over-speed ropes. Sprint Performance Aside from developing specific sprint characteristics, the primary muscles involved during sprinting must be conditioned appropriately. Fit-Zone develops this musculature in order to achieve speed-strength (explosive movement against a relatively light resistance) and strength-speed (quick application of force against a large resistance). Speed-strength training involves the use of medicine balls and plyometrics, while strength-speed training incorporates various methods of Olympic-style weightlifting.