Ask almost any coach or athlete and they will probably agree that quickness
is a key attribute to successful performance in sports (this does not
necessarily apply to low intensity endurance events). Quickness is defined
as rapid reaction and movement time in relation to a given stimulus.
Training for quickness is not the same as training for absolute speed.
Quickness relies heavily on immediate movement reactions. Think of
quickness as the first phase of speed.
Neural Training
Training the nervous system is very important in the development of
quickness. Proper neural training offers the following:
- Instantaneous recruitment of a maximal number of motor units.
- Increasing the firing rates of motor units.
- Increase in intermuscular coordination (ability to synergistically use multiple muscle groups in performing movements).
Multiple rehearsal of movements result in stored
memories in the brain called engrams. Development of engrams are one of the
reasons it is so important to practice movements perfectly. If you practice
with flawed technique your technique will be flawed when competing. Training
quickness in short intervals results in utilization of the Phosphagen energy
system (Refer to my article called muscular energetic).
Developing Quickness
Quickness is genetically determined to a degree, but proper training can
greatly increase quickness. Drills geared for pure quickness development
should last 6-8 seconds. Training for quickness endurance could be longer
in duration. The placement of quickness drills in training varies.
Athletes are faced with a multitude of different situations when performing;
therefore placement of quickness drills varies accordingly.
Most of the time
I incorporate quickness drills in warm-ups preceding weight training. When
training to improve quickness endurance this type of training is often
placed at the end of a workout. When under competitive situation that quick
cut, pass or punch in the closing moment of an event (i.e. Boxing) can
determine the winner. By placing quickness movements at the end of a
workout the preceding competition conditions can be emulated to a small
degree.
Before developing a quickness program, athlete evaluation is helpful. There
is an abundant amount of testing procedures that are used to measure
quickness. Tests include reaction drills, start and stop and quick feet
drills. Different circumstances require different tests. To get an idea of
an athletes quickness levels I like to observe them participating in their
sporting event. I also use reaction drills such as dodge ball, ball drops,
and shadowing drills.
Once I establish the trainee's level of quickness, I
use the priority principle in training. The principle implies that
weaknesses receive priority over well-developed motor qualities. Minimal
time is spent on quickness development if high levels of quickness already
exist. If the athlete is weak in this area we would usually train this
quality 2-3 times per week.
Shock method training (plyometrics) can be helpful in improving quickness.
Keep in mind proper shock method training can be useful, but improper use
of this training method can result in decrease in performance and injury (
Refer to shock method training at maxcondition.com for info concerning
plyometrics). A good strength and fitness base is necessary before
performing this type of training.
Conclusion
In summary, quickness can be enhanced with proper training. Training the
nervous system is the main emphasis in quickness training. Drills should
last 6-8 seconds to improve quickness. This motor quality is very important
in most sports. It is time we learn to maximize athlete's ability to react
and move quickly.
References
Brown,L,E,. Ferrigno,V,A,. Santana,J,C. (2000) Training for speed agility
and quickness. Human Kinetics.
Foran,B. (2001) High Performance Sports Conditioning. Twist,P. Ch.6
Lightning Quickness. Human Kinetics.
Hale,J (2001) www.maxcondition.com. Real Stength Training for Boxers 1and
2. Jamie Hale
Copyright 2002 Jamie Hale
Thanks,
jhale@halesoptimumphysique.com
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