Speed is a common theme in our discussions on training. If you have listened to a few episodes you will continually hear us talking about how the effectiveness of maximal strength method is generally overestimated. In fact our second episode was about the advantages of submaximal training. But why does fast training work so well? Read more
The so-called Mach drills were part of a comprehensive system; frankly that is what I see missing today. Just because it looks like the sprint action does not mean there is much transfer. Similar is not the same. As I have seen the use of the Mach drills grow in popularity to the point now where they are universally used. I think the concepts behind the drills are quite simple but I am not sure that many people today understand them and the historical context of the system. My purpose in this article is to lend a historical perspective on the Mach drills. This perspective is intended to clarify the application of the drills. I must emphasize that this is my perspective and opinion based on discussion, observation as well as my coaching experience. Read more
Two weeks ago on our podcast, Nick and I provided an introduction to velocity-based training. It is a good primer on the topic, but we are hardly experts even though we have both read and experimented with velocity measurements in training. We want to learn more so on this week’s podcast we brought in an expert: Dr. Bryan Mann. Read more
Velocity-based training has been a buzz word in training circles recently as devices to measure velocity becomes cheaper and easier to use. Nick and I are often skeptics with regards to new technology, but there are some real lessons to learn when the technology relates to one of sport’s most important elements: speed. We have both started implementing velocity measurements in our training and seen some fast benefits. Read more
Velocity-based based training has been around for decades, but the topic is starting to gain some steam as new technologies become cheaper and also provide easier access to data. As a result research and practical usage is moving so fast it is hard to keep up with. Read more
“When we start out, the fundamentals and basics are necessary to give us a base of support, not unlike a base in running. It’s why learning about the X’s and O’s of coaching, the science behind it, and the history of great coaches cannot be skipped. But as we grow as coaches, the innovations in training shifts to seeing patterns in ideas that may not come directly from our specific discipline.”
–Steve Magness, author of the Science of Running
Have you ever heard the phrase “you can’t teach speed”? In my youth, and despite my complete lack of any technical ability, I was reasonably effective at both soccer and rugby. Notice that I said effective, and not good. Playing rugby at school there actually was a pre-planned move which involved giving me the ball, and getting me to run without even considering passing until I either scored or was tackled. Playing soccer, I was moved to the wing, and my team would just punt the ball into space for me to run on to. No talent required. I was successful only because of my speed – I was already a national age group champion at that point. It was here that I would hear my teachers, coaches and team-mates comment “you can’t teach speed.”
But can you? Read more
On this episode of the HMMR Media Podcast another member of the HMMR Media team joined us to talk about periodization of training intensities. Both Nick and I have worked closely with Derek Evely and have gotten him to contribute to the site recently. He brings a diverse background thanks to his varied influences and his experience working with elite athletes in several event groups. One thing he has noticed in common is how training with many top coaches is polarized. This idea is gaining popularity with distance coaches, but is rarely discussed in the context of training for power sports. Read more
Earlier this month Nick Garcia and I launched the HMMR Media Podcast. For our second episode we look at the overlooked effectiveness of submaximal training loads. Read more
Earlier this week I took a look at velocity-based training. But in order to even think about incorporating velocity measurements into training, you have to have something that will measure them for you. There are lots of options in the market now. If you have no budget, there are a variety of apps that give cruder measurements. The Tendo Unit has been around for two decades, but the device has evolved little in that time. And more recently several products have been emerging that attempt to not only measure more accurately, but produce an output that can be more easily used by coaches. Over the last three months I have taken an in-depth look at two such products: Push and GymAware. Both performed great, and below is a review and comparison of them both. Read more
