Football Training - Increasing Speed and Acceleration

   Mitre Malmo Training Football

 

By Steve R. Tucker

Coaches across the board agree that speed is an essential component in any solid football player. Drills for increasing speed should play an important part in a football training program. However, being fast isn't the only important factor - players who can accelerate quickly will have more success on the field than those who run at top speeds over time.

Tips for Improving Acceleration

The following tips will not only help your players increase their speed - they will also show them how to get that quick burst they need to put them ahead of anyone else on the field.

1. Strength Training: Stronger leg muscles mean more force to push against the ground with each stride. Putting time in the weight room to focus on the lower half of the body will increase a player's speed on the field. Weight training should have a significant part in a football training program.
2. Speed of Contractions: Strength training will only increase speed if the athlete increases their speed of contractions, as well. Sprinting exercises over short distances will improve speed of contractions, as will plyometrics, or jump training.
3. Running Mechanics: Most athletes, including football players, have never been taught running mechanics. Proper stance and technique will improve efficiency, which in turn will make for faster runners. Use the following tips as a guide for correct running mechanics, and remember that in football acceleration is more important than maintaining top speed:

1. • Use the balls of your feet, not the toes or heels, to drive your foot off the ground.
   • Lean the whole body forward to propel yourself in the direction you want to go.
   • Focus on making short, powerful strides and pushing off the ground.
   • Pump the arms by pushing the elbow back, not forward.
   • Square your head with your shoulders and keep it still as you run.
   • After the first 10-15 yards, the stride should lengthen and form should relax. However, the player should still focus on propelling forward, remembering to use the balls of their feet and their arms to maintain top speed.

Accelerate to the Top

Speed is the difference between good football players and outstanding football players. Improving acceleration will guarantee a head start over the rest of the players on the field. It's true that some players are simply born fast. However, any player can increase their speed and acceleration if they are willing to work for it.

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Steve Tucker is a youth football coach, and the owner and publisher of Football-Tutorials.com. Visit his blog today for more than 468 free articles covering football drills and plays.

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