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Training for Sports Speed and Agility

An Evidence-Based Approach

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Speed and agility are central to success in a wide range of sports. Training for Sports Speed and Agility is the first evidence-based study of all those aspects of athletic preparation that contribute to the expression of speed and agility during competition.

Drawing on the very latest scientific research in the fields of strength and conditioning, applied physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, and sports medicine, the book critically examines approaches to training for speed and agility. This book further explores the scientific rationale for all aspects of effective training to develop sports speed and agility, comprising a diverse range of topics that include:

    • assessment

    • strength training for speed and agility development

    • speed-strength development and plyometric training

    • metabolic conditioning

    • mobility and flexibility

    • acceleration

    • straight-line speed development

    • developing change of direction capabilities

    • developing expression of agility during competition

    • periodization.

Every chapter includes a review of current research as well as offering clear, practical guidelines for improving training and performance, including photographs illustrating different training modes and techniques. No other book offers a comparable blend of theory and practice. Training for Sports Speed and Agility is therefore crucial reading for all students, coaches and athletes looking to improve their understanding of this key component of sports performance.

Table of Contents

Section 1: Theory of Sports Speed and Agility Development 1. Introduction: What Defines Sports Speed and Agility? 2. Foundations of Speed and Agility Expression in Sports 3. Assessing Physical Parameters of Speed and Agility 4. Athleticism and Movement Skills Development Section 2: Developing Physical Capabilities for Speed and Agility 5. Strength training for Speed and Agility Development 6. Speed-strength Development and Plyometric Training 7. Metabolic Conditioning 8. Lumbopelvic ‘Core’ Training 9. Warm Up Methods and Mobility Training Section 3: Developing Technical and Perceptual Aspects of Sports Speed and Agility 10. Technical Aspects of Acceleration and Straight-line Speed Development 11. Developing Change of Direction Capabilities and Expression of Sports Agility Section 4: Designing the Program 12. Planning and Scheduling – Periodisation of Training

Author/Editor Biography

Dr Paul Gamble currently works as national strength and conditioning lead for Scottish Squash and is also responsible for a number of national-level athletes in a variety of sports, having previously worked in professional rugby union with English Premiership side London Irish. This is Paul’s second textbook and he has published a number of articles on related topics, as well as developing course materials for postgraduate degree programmes.

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