subject: Run Faster in 3 Easy Steps [print this page] Run Faster in 3 Easy Steps Run Faster in 3 Easy Steps
Can anyone learn to run faster? Of course! But to become fast, you must train to be fast. There are several speed drills out there, but if you don't learn to do them properly, they will not be effective. One of the most basic foot skill drills is done within the speed ladder. I call it the "side to side" drill or the "side-step" drill. This speed ladder drill is extremely effective and great for developing and improving lateral foot speed and quickness if executed correctly.These speed drills teach you when and where to place your feet and how fast or quickly to put your foot in a specific position and continue that pattern for consistency.How to Do the Side-to-Side Speed Drill: 1) The knees should bend bringing the hips lower to the ground. About 10 to 15 inches lower than your normal standing position. 2) From this athletic position, and beginning on one side of the speed ladder while facing your body straight forward, quickly step with the right foot into the first square, then follow it with the left foot into the same square. 3) Then quickly step straight forward with the left foot into the second square then, follow it with the right foot into the same second square.The key fundamentals of this drill often go unnoticed. What to focus on, while in motion, is what is most important. Don't work on trying hard; concentrate on when to move fast and where to put the foot in relation to your body position and the squares below you. Timing is important in this drill. Be patient, and wait for the foot to get over the square and then quickly punch the foot down into the square.This speed ladder drill is great for the many obvious points of improvement like: foot quickness, body balance, consistency, patience, and confidence. But dig deeper. Why do this drill? Does speed training directly relate to you and your sport? You bet. Many athletes buy a speed ladder, or perform speed ladder drills, without really understanding the reasons why the drill is important to their sport in the first place. Concentrate and focus on how the drill and your specific movements within the drill relate to your own sport.Ever watch basketball players play defense moving laterally? Or a running back in football? Or a young kid at the park moving to catch a frisbee. The key is when to use this skill. If used at the right time, with the right timing, then faking out your opponent will become easier and you will become a better and more successful athlete.Anyway, Good Luck! Remember, it's not the drill...it's the how, when, and why to practice the drill!
