Coach Gethin Rhys James

Monday, 21 December 2015

Equipment for Practising Acceleration

Acceleration is the time between standing still and top end speed. It is argued that in many cases acceleration is more important than top end speed, especially in sports such as football, soccer, rugby and basketball. In order to encourage good technique there are specific pieces of equipment that can mimic specific stages of the acceleration.

The Initial Step

I pinched this drill from Ido Portal. Take a light poll. This could be a broom stick handle, a very light aerobic bar or just about anything with the same dimensions and light weight. Place one end of the poll on the floor and support the other end out in front of your with one hand. Drop the poll and lunge towards it in order to catch the tip before it hits the floor. Try to catch it as close to the floor as possible.

The Drive

For the drive, you cannot beat a good prowler push. Take a low grip, maintain a solid posture and drive with the knees. You should always be able to sprint. Don’t use so much weight that it slows you down to a walk. Use a lot of weight but never walk if speed is your aim.

 Finalising the Acceleration Process


There are multiple ways of working the hinge pattern. The Kettle Bell Swing is a very explosive exercise for multiple dynamic movements. For maximum exertion a tyre flip is a fantastic exercise. Consider the fact that the tyre flip requires forward force. This makes it so much more relevant top sprinting. 

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