Training For On-Field Performance

Team sports athletes have a variety of training methods to consider. After skills drills, strength and overall conditioning, there's the fine-tuning that can make all the difference when a game's on the line. A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests a couple of different strategies for ramping up your acceleration and velocity.

Scientists recruited Division I female college soccer players to undertake a 12-week program consisting of either resisted sprint training, assisted sprint training or traditional training for developing maximum velocity and acceleration. Workouts consisted of 10 all-out sprints of 20 yards followed by a deceleration jog that amounted to an additional 20 yards. Resisted and assisted sprinting increased both top speed and rate of acceleration better than traditional training methods.

True Strength Moment: Although the latest training fad doesn't always improve performance, these techniques seemed to shake up the traditional methods for increasing quickness and speed. Resisted sprinting involves strapping on a weighted vest. Assisted sprinting uses bungee cables to make a runner more aware of reactive ground forces while enhancing muscle coordination. If these tools are available where you train, learn to use them correctly before working them into your routine.