Speed
Why is first-step speed so important?
Because in many sports, you never get enough time or space to reach maximum speed. The important battle is often the first few movements. Who gets there first?
08 / 10
Think about the game
A loose ball. A sudden break. Closing down space. Getting away from a defender. Recovering. Reacting to a change. Those moments don't give you a long runway. They require acceleration.
You don't always start facing forward
This matters. Sport may ask you to accelerate while turning, moving sideways, backpedalling, reacting or changing direction. That is why athletic speed needs to be more than simply being good at one straight-line sprint.
Force and mechanics come together
The athlete needs to create force quickly. But they also need to direct that force effectively. Body position, balance, coordination, running mechanics, strength and power all contribute.
And sometimes the body isn't the first thing that moves
Before the sprint can happen, the athlete often needs to recognise something. See it. Process it. Decide. Then move. That is why ASP also considers visual reaction and decision speed as part of athletic development.
How ASP approaches it
See. Process. React. Move.
Your first metres can change an entire sporting moment.
See. Process. React. Move.
Your first metres can change an entire sporting moment.
Explore ASP speed & high performance training →Not sure what your athlete needs?
That's exactly why we assess.
The ASP Sports Science Combine gives you a snapshot of current performance, highlights what deserves attention and gives you a clearer plan for what comes next.
R750 · Approximately 60 minutes · Wanderers Sports Club
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