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: pursuitpe@gmail.com
Twitter: @CoachPedersenMV
Website: www.PursuitPE.com
Podcast: BigTimeStrength.substack.com
Linktree: @CoachPedersen
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