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Improving Sprinting Speed

Can speed be improved or is it natural?

Both. Good sprinters are born sprinters. They generally have more fast twitch muscle fibres amoung other genetic advantages.
It is thought the fastest men on earth could run close to 10 seconds for 100m sprint with no training at all.
However, whatever your ability you can improve your sprinting speed by combining the following training methods in a way that bests suits you.

Sprint Technique Drills

These are performed to improve technique.
Poor running technique wastes energy and slows the athlete down.
Click for more on sprint drills.

Speed Training Session

Basic sprinting sessions performed over varying distances.
These will be of high quality and over short distances.

Speed Endurance Training

This is over distance sprint training.
Designed to help prevent loss of speed through fatigue.

Strength Training

Large gains in speed can be obtained by improving strength.
Weight training and power lifting target the right muscles.
Click for more on weight training for sprinters,

Plyometric Exercises

Hopping and bounding exercises.
Will improve explosive speed involved in sprinting.
Click for more on plyometric training.

Speed / Agility Training

For sports specific speed.
Using agility ladders and other training aids.
Click for more speed and agility drills.

Related links:

Running shoes - Find your perfect pair of running shoes online at Return2fitness.co.uk.

Sprint training

Ankle Supports

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Speed & Agility

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Sports taping

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Compression Shorts

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