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Speed, Strength, and Conditioning -
Answer To Question #8

Question #8:

I have a son 15 yr old son who wants to spend $750 of his hard earned money on a speed training program from Get Fast. It includes 20 sessions on some kind of special tread mill and also plyometrics.

I need help evaluating this and I am hoping for some direction. Your website has been helpful. thanks

- Tom Steele

Answer by Latif Thomas:

I am no fan of high speed treadmills. And I do not recommend them. The track, court or field does not having a moving belt on it that aids in moving an athlete's legs faster. I find that when you make an athlete run faster than is natural for them, it has an adverse affect on running mechanics, leading to reaching and braking for example. Call me old fashioned, but I think 'traditional' speed development and strength training with periodic resistance training such as a bullet belt, Trainer or sled pull is a far superior method of developing speed than a treadmill.

I know I'll get emails about the value of treadmills, as I did the last time I addressed this question, but myopinion remains the same.

About Latif Thomas:

Highly regarded as one of the top speed coaches in the country, Latif is the Co-Owner of Athletes’ Acceleration, Inc., a leader in sports performance consulting, coaching and training resources for fitness professionals.

A former All East Sprinter while attending the University of Connecticut on a track and field scholarship, Latif is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and is USA Track and Field Level II Certified in the Sprints, Hurdles and Relays. In 2005, he was voted the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Coach of the Year for his success in developing countless champions and record holders at the conference, division and state levels.

The former Director of Sports Performance at Mass Premier Courts, Latif has run numerous successful speed development programs and clinics for coaches and athletes of all sports and age groups. This includes the Speed Clinic Empire Mentorship, a program designed to teach coaches how to run their own profitable speed camps and clinics. Co-creator of the internationally acclaimed Complete Speed Training Program, Latif has excelled at simplifying program design and technical improvement in order to facilitate greater results in his athletes.

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