One of the primary talents in a player I look for is speed. In real terms you can not make someone who is slow, fast. But you can do plenty to ensure you are getting the most out of your body.
Genetically being born with more fast-twitch muscle would mean you are more suited to sprinting, whereas if you had more slow-twitch muscle you would make a better Mo Farah understudy.
If you want to become as fast as you possibly can you can try to improve your running ‘form’.
This diagramis an excellent basic guide to your running strides and can help you focus your development.
I also think the big secret in running fast, is, running fast. Yes! In your training practice faster movements, practice them repetitively and if you are out for a run, try downhill sprints. Getting used to moving your limbs faster is a great way to find your maximum speed. Repetition and pushing the limits is key here.
Using short sharp drills in your personal training will also help with your speed;
You can do linear sprints, use zig zag sprints, and t style drills. You will also find that agility ladders and explosive strength exercises will help improve your speed. Although I have said, you can’t make someone who is slow, fast, you can imagine by combining all this work, you will become faster.
If you have a lower physical speed then it is important to work on your ‘speed of thought’. Making quick decisions is the ultimate disguise for a slow player. If you move off the ball first, if you make a quick pass, it will counteract the fact that your explosive speed is lacking. If your sense of good positioning is 10 out of 10 then often your running speed can be lower. Maybe the best way to consider speed is, speed as a whole, speed of movement, and speed of thought.
Top tips to make faster decisions;
- Scan – especially before you get the ball. Make scanning a habit. Start to take pictures of what is around you.
- Work in small areas – when you are training put yourself under pressure. Play in tight areas.
- Quick touches – try to train off 1 or 2 touches to enable you to play quickly. This will challenge you to use the two areas above.
- Make positive decisions – believe in yourself and make positive decisions to play the ball. Also be positive with your movements off the ball.
You will also improve your game understanding by watching football and as much as possible look at the decisions being made by players with similar characteristics to you. The more you understand the game and the positions on the field the more confident in your decisions you will become.
I consider speed (physical/thought) to be crucial for the modern game. Get as close to 20/20 as you can!
