So we now have previously discussed acceleration and deceleration. We scratched the surface on both and the linking of the components to maximize efficiency of movement.
By adjusting, refining and perfecting our techniques for acceleration and deceleration we can improve our sports performance. We do this through technique drills and also agility drills. Both types of drills need to be specific to the improvement your athlete/client is trying to make. We also use drills that focus exclusively on acceleration and drills that focus exclusively on deceleration. Having drills to link acceleration and deceleration together is very important. Linking acceleration and deceleration is a key to producing a quick athlete. However, it is incomplete without re-acceleration. Linking acceleration, deceleration and re-acceleration (change of direction) links the 3 components of agility and reactivity.
So what is the key with re-acceleration? Changing direction is actually the bridge between deceleration and acceleration. It is this linking that allows athletes to be back to maximal speed in minimal time with minimal steps. The components of direction change are the components of deceleration (braking, center of gravity, and maintaining equilibrium) and acceleration (ground and propulsion mechanics) linked together to produce quick stops and quick starts. By doing drills that focus on re-acceleration an athlete can learn the link that converts braking into acceleration.
Applying drills to maximize training can drastically improve an athlete’s agility, explosiveness, reactivity and therefore game performance. The drills that are chosen can be broken into acceleration drills, deceleration drills, and change of direction drills. Then choosing the appropriate drills (principle of specificity) can help to improve an athlete’s technique, efficiency of movement and agility. Doing all of these things well will improve sports performance. For athletes, the priority always comes down to sports performance. Above all else an athlete needs to focus on drills that help to maximize sports performance. Whether that is agility, reactivity, power, strength, speed, or explosiveness then each athlete needs to be very specific about their program and wisely choose the most appropriate exercises and drills.
It is also important to understand when is the right time to be doing each type of exercise and drill. Each exercise or drill has a time and a place that when properly placed will help to ensure improved sports performance. This is known as periodization and a scientific approach to programming through periodization is extremely important to an athlete. Next week we will be getting into periodization more and its effect on sports performance so be sure to check back and stay tuned for future blogs.
Anyone in the San Diego area is welcome to drop in at our studio at 2949 Garnet Ave. 3rd floor, Pacific Beach, CA. We would love to put you through our workout. Please feel free to call or email Annalise Evans of TrueFitness with any questions: (760) 809 1848 annalise@truefitness.biz and join her fan page on Facebook: TrueFitness Annalise Evans.
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