Speed Training Explained: How to Actually Get Faster
Speed isn't just for athletes. It's something we can all develop, improve, and maintain.
When most people think about speed training, they picture athletes sprinting down a football field, running through cones, or performing explosive drills.
But speed training isn't just for competitive athletes. Whether you're a young athlete looking to improve your performance, a parent trying to help your child get faster, or an adult wanting to maintain your athleticism, understanding how to properly train for speed can make a difference.
In this episode of the Moral Performance Systems Podcast, we break down what makes someone fast, common mistakes people make when training for speed, and how to approach speed development more effectively.
What Actually Makes Someone Fast?
Two important factors that contribute to running speed are stride frequency and stride length.
Stride frequency refers to how quickly your legs cycle while running. Developing proper sprinting mechanics through drills like A-skips, B-skips, and other skipping variations can help improve coordination and running technique.
Stride length is the distance you cover with each step. Strength, power, mobility, and proper mechanics all play a role in developing an effective stride.
Your glutes and hamstrings are especially important when it comes to producing the force needed to accelerate and sprint.
Mobility also matters. Limited movement through the hips can affect your ability to sprint efficiently, which is why addressing mobility limitations should be part of a well-rounded training program.
The goal isn't simply to take longer or quicker steps. It's to develop the strength, mechanics, and coordination that allow you to move faster.
Speed Training vs. Conditioning: Know the Difference
One of the biggest topics we discuss in this episode is the difference between training for speed and training for conditioning.
Just because a workout involves sprinting, ladders, cones, or running drills doesn't necessarily mean it's improving your speed.
True speed training requires high-quality efforts performed at or near maximum intensity, with enough recovery between repetitions to maintain performance.
If you're constantly moving from one drill to another with little rest, your workout may be developing conditioning more than maximum speed.
Both are important, but they serve different purposes.
If your goal is to get faster, you need to train for speed—not just fatigue.
Acceleration vs. Top Speed
Another important part of developing speed is understanding that acceleration and top-end speed are different qualities.
Acceleration is your ability to build speed quickly from a stationary position. This is especially important in sports like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, where short bursts of speed can make a big difference.
Top-end speed is your ability to reach and maintain your highest running velocity.
Both deserve attention, but they don't always need to be trained during the same session.
Separating acceleration and top-speed workouts can help athletes focus on specific aspects of sprint performance while allowing for proper recovery.
Speed Training Is for Everyone
You don't have to be a professional athlete or even play organized sports to benefit from speed training.
As we get older, maintaining our ability to move quickly and produce power becomes increasingly valuable.
Whether you're trying to compete at a higher level, keep up with your kids, or simply stay capable and athletic, incorporating speed work into your routine can be beneficial.
The key is understanding your current ability, training appropriately, and progressing over time.
Watch the Full MPS Podcast Episode
In this episode, we take a closer look at the fundamentals of speed development and discuss practical ways to incorporate speed training into your routine.
We cover everything from sprint mechanics and mobility to workout structure, recovery, and common mistakes that can hold you back.
If you're looking to become faster, improve athletic performance, or better understand how speed training works, check out the full episode of the Moral Performance Systems Podcast.
[WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON YOUTUBE]
Take Your Training Further
At Moral Performance Systems, our goal is to help individuals develop the strength, athleticism, discipline, and knowledge needed to perform at their best.
Whether you're an athlete, parent, or someone looking to improve your overall fitness, we're here to help you train with purpose.
Train with purpose. Perform with intention.
🌐 Coaching & Training: moralperformancesystems.com
📲 Instagram: @moe_morales_
Join the MPS Community for training tips, educational content, discussions, and resources to help you improve your performance.
