Speed

Speed is the ability to minimize the time cycle of a repeated movement . The ninth detail post on the 10 General Physical Skills. Speed is the first of the skills that requires both training and practice. You can train quite a lot, develop strength and stamina, but not have speed because the movements are not practiced. You can also practice the movements extensively but without the conditioning borne of training the movements may be programmed well, but will occur slowly.

The third pull in an olympic lift, dynamic gymnastics elements, the various parkour vaults and sprinting are all examples of movements requiring speed to excel at. Inducing speed is a major factor in training the way that we do. The typical gym workout will not make you fast. In fact many people get slower after training on fixed plane machines for long periods of time.

Are you fast? Could you be faster? How much would it help your lifts if you could get under the bar quicker? How much is a ring swing improved by a rapid turn over? How much more distance could you clear on your vaults if you were moving faster? Speed is an exceedingly important component in our activities. Work toward getting faster.