Chapter 12: Speed, Agility, and Quickness Training Flashcards
speed
- the ability to move the body in one intended direction as fast as possible
- the speed or velocity of distance covered divided by time (straight ahead speed)
stride rate
the number of strides taken in a given amount of time (or distance)
stride length
the distance covered with each stride
frontside mechanics
proper alignment of the lead leg and pelvis during sprinting, which includes ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion, hip flexion, and neutral pelvis
backside mechanics
proper alignment of the rear leg and pelvis during sprinting, which includes ankle plantarflexion, knee extension, hip extension, and neutral pelvis
agility
- the ability to accelerate, decelerate, stabilize, and change direction quickly while maintaining proper posture
- short bursts of movement that involve a change of movement direction, cadence, or speed
quickness
- the ability to react and change body position with maximal rate of force production, in all planes of motion and from all body positions, during functional activities
- the ability to react to a stimulus and appropriately change the motion of the body
- aka reaction time
benefits of SAQ training
- allows clients to enhance their ability to accelerate, decelerate, and dynamically stabilize the entire body during higher-velocity acceleration and deceleration movements in all planes of motion (such as running, cutting, and changing direction)
- may further help the nervous system to respond or react more efficiently to demands placed on it
- may enhance muscular recruitment and coordination when performed with correct mechanics
how can stride rate be improved?
with proper core strength, plyometric training, and technique
true or false: certain aspects of speed are dependent on genetic factors
TRUE
-although certain aspects of speed are dependent on genetic factors, it is a skill that can be learned through an integrated training program as seen in the OPT model
magnitude of movement speed is ___ and ____
relative and population specific
what should movement speed be addressed with?
a variety of populations, including both apparently healthy individuals and those with a chronic health condition or functional limitation because of its implications for power and force production, particularly of the lower limbs
what do proper running mechanics allow for?
maximal force generation through biomechanical efficiency, allowing maximal movement velocity to be achieved in the shortest time possible
2 important aspects of sprint technique
- frontside mechanics
2. backside mechanics
frontside mechanics involves triple flexion of what?
the ankle, knee, and hip in appropriate synchrony
what are improved frontside mechanics associated with??
- better stability
- less braking forces
- increased forward driving forces
backside mechanics involves tripe extension of what?
the ankle, knee, and hip in appropriate synchrony
what are improved backside mechanics associated with?
-a stronger push phase, including hip-knee extension, gluteal contraction, and backside arm drive
frontside and backside mechanics work in synchrony to do what?
- apply force to the ground
- recover from a stride cycle
- propel the body forward effectively
when executing either frontside or backside mechanics drills, what is necessary to facilitate proper range of motion and force production?
a neutral pelvis
what does agility require?
high levels of neuromuscular efficiency to be able to maintain one’s center of gravity over their base of support while changing directions at various speeds
what can agility training enhance?
- eccentric neuromuscular coordination
- dynamic flexibility
- dynamic postural control
- functional core strength
- proprioception
how can proper agility training help prevent injury?
- by enhancing the body’s ability to effectively control eccentric forces in all planes of motion
- by improving the structural integrity of the connective tissue
foot/ankle complex during running movements
- the foot and ankle should be pointing straight ahead in a dorsiflexed position when it hits the ground
- excessive flattening or external rotation of the foot will create abnormal stress throughout the rest of the kinetic chain and decrease overall performance