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.

Provides useful, practical information on how to improve speed and agility. In an easy-to-understand and apply manner, Sport Speed and Agility explains the science behind speed and agility training, including the technique behind running, the physiology behind speed and agility training, the role that motor learning and skill acquisition plays in agility training, and the theory behind program design. Offers sport-specific high school and collegiate speed and agility training programs for baseball/softball, basketball, football, ice hockey, rugby, and soccer. Also includes acceleration, maximum velocity, and agility drills with tips on how to make the drills more effective and more difficult.

The ultimate training resource for athletes and coaches includes more than 262 exercises and drills, programming, and exclusive access to online video library. Assessments provide parameters for individual programs and sport-specific training.

The ball handler who fakes and then drives past a defender for an easy score. A pass rusher who leaves a would-be blocker in his wake on the way to sacking the quarterback. A setter who manages to maneuver both body and ball in the blink of an eye to make the perfect pass for the kill and match-winning point. These are all reasons agility and quickness are such prized physical attributes in modern sport. Efforts to become markedly quicker or more agile, however, aren’t always successful. Genetic limitations, technical deficiencies, and inferior training activities are among the major obstacles. Developing Agility and Quickness helps athletes blow past those barriers thanks to the top sport conditioning authority in the world, the National Strength and Conditioning Association. NSCA hand-picked its top experts to present the best training advice, drills, and programs for optimizing athletes’ linear and lateral movements. Make Developing Agility and Quickness a key part of your conditioning program, and get a step ahead of the competition.

This book introduces a new view of agility theory, given recent serious discussion concerning the methods of open-loop skills improvement. It offers experimental research results and theoretical knowledge on both reactive and running types of agility. The book also details a number of agility training methods and exercises.

Squash is widely regarded as one of the most physically and mentally challenging sports, yet players and coaches have never previously had access to a comprehensive resource guiding them on the optimal strategies to prepare for competition. Written by a coach with over a decade of experience, including coaching World Top 20 ranked players in the men's and women's game. Strength and Conditioning for Squash outlines actual training programmes and methods utilised by elite squash players to reach the highest levels of the game. All aspects of training and preparation for squash are covered, including: - How to construct effective long-term training plans - Performance testing and athlete monitoring - Training to develop speed, fitness, strength and power - Injury prevention and management - Recovery and preparation strategies for matches and training - Nutrition and Psychology Whether you are an eager beginner or working with an experienced pro, Strength and Conditioning for Squash has something for everyone. Chapter 1: Fitness for Squash Chapter 2: Training Planning and Programming Chapter 3: Performance Testing and Athlete Monitoring Chapter 4: Speed and Agility Chapter 5: Strength, Power and Resistance Training Chapter 6: Stretching and Flexibility Chapter 7: Psychology of Squash Training and Competition Chapter 8: Nutrition: Fuelling Performance Chapter 9: Preparation and Recovery Chapter 10: Injury management and prevention Bonus material Chapter 11: Coaching Philosophy and Guiding Principles

High-Performance Training for Sports changes the landscape of athletic conditioning and sports performance. This groundbreaking work presents the latest and most effective philosophies, protocols and programmes for developing today’s athletes. High-Performance Training for Sports features contributions from global leaders in athletic performance training, coaching and rehabilitation. Experts share the cutting-edge knowledge and techniques they’ve used with Olympians as well as top athletes and teams from the NBA, NFL, MLB, English Premier League, Tour de France and International Rugby. Combining the latest science and research with proven training protocols, High-Performance Training for Sports will guide you in these areas: • Optimise the effectiveness of cross-training. • Translate strength into speed. • Increase aerobic capacity and generate anaerobic power. • Maintain peak conditioning throughout the season. • Minimise the interference effect. • Design energy-specific performance programmes. Whether you are working with high-performance athletes of all ages or with those recovering from injury, High-Performance Training for Sports is the definitive guide for developing all aspects of athletic performance. It is a must-own guide for any serious strength and conditioning coach, trainer, rehabilitator or athlete.

Are you ready to challenge yourself, and turn up the intensity of your workouts? Are you ready for a proven program that burns fat, increases muscle, and sculpts the physique you’ve always wanted? If so, then Maximum Interval Training is for you! Maximum Interval Training combines high-intensity exercises and nontraditional equipment with a variety of modalities and training options to stimulate muscle growth, avoid plateaus, and produce results.

In training speed, the most elusive athletic quality, what really works, and what doesn't? What are the components of sprinting itself that elites do, where amateurs falter? And how can we arrange all of this in a training medium that facilitates high performance? Speed Strength is the product of hundreds of athletes trained, thousands of hours of study, dozens of expert mentors, and an open mind. If you are interested in the answer to these questions, then Speed Strength is the book that holds the answers you are looking for, and much more.Joel Smith is the host of the Just Fly Performance Podcast and a track and strength coach of 13 years. As a track coach to national champions and Olympic champions as a strength coach, Joel has seen the elements of speed inside and out. Featuring the insight of over 25 field leaders, Speed Strength touches on the most important trainable elements of sprinting in a holistic and thorough manner.

Whether you're an athlete looking for an edge on the competition or a coach looking to improve your athletes' individual or team performance, Sports Speed shows you how to train for maximum speed and quickness. Create individual and sports-specific speed training programs for a wide variety of sports, including basketball, football, baseball/softball, soccer, hockey, tennis, rugby, track and field, and many more.