I CAN TEACH "SPEED".
Just as we wrap up and put closure to another Speed Development Training Session the other day, a father ( to a basketball player, who is not one of my athletes YET ) mentions to me that what he witnessed for the past 15 minutes was "Good Stuff." I responded with a "Thank You" as we both walked out the door, and as he lit up his cigarette he brings to my attention that "You know you can't teach speed. You either have it or you don't."
Well obviously you know that this stopped me in my tracks. I said "Really?" What do you think we were doing in there? As he took a deep breathe full of carcinogens, he kinda shrugged his shoulders with an uncanny expression on his face.
It was at this point that I realized this gentleman had no clue as to what defined speed, what components made up speed or the "type" of training to acquire speed. So, it was time for a brief educational period.
"So, your daughter plays basketball?" I asked. As we begin conversing about her position, school and age, "Why do you bring her here?" "To make sure she is shooting correctly, and that she gets a step up on her competition" he adds.
I asked if she was consistent from the free throw line? He said, "Oh absolutely. One of the highest percentages on her team!" I applauded that this was great and commendable. I said you can always count on B.E.E.F. You know, Balance, Eyes, Elbow and Follow-Through! He said "Yep, she practices her foul shots every free moment she gets." "So, she wasn't born knowing how to shoot a foul shot or the concept of B.E.E.F.? She didn't just have it? Someone had to coach and teach her the mechanics and through repetition and proper cuing she has become more proficient?" I expressed to him that this was skill development at a fundamental level. Michael Jordan is one of basketballs greatest players, but was well known for practicing his free throws until the day he retired from the game. And he utilized repetition every day to solidify this skill. It's a good thing Michael Jordan never thought, "you either have it or you don't."
Like free throws, speed is a skill. Speed can be taught and obtained. I have been instrumental in teaching athletes at multiple levels on how to become faster. If speed was an absolute genetic gift, how would Olympic sprinters routinely break records at the games and require a coach?
Sports involve a blend of movement patterns at various rates, complexities and angles. The greater your ability to accept, redirect and project yourself at the proper angles the faster you will become.
Speed can be taught with the proper knowledge of biomechanics, rate of force development and a coach (hint...hint ME!) that has associated with the top coaches in the world. It requires and eye and an understanding!
BASKETBALL = B.E.E.F. GAMESPEED = R.P.M. SPEED DEVELOPMENT
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