Program Design for Speed and Agility Training

A set of vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms and definitions related to speed and agility training.

Biomechanical Constructs

The underlying physical principles that describe how speed, change of direction, and agility performance are influenced by movement mechanics.

Speed

The skills and abilities needed to achieve high movement velocities.

Change of Direction (COD)

The skills and abilities needed to explosively change movement direction, velocities, or modes.

Agility

The skills and abilities needed to change direction, velocity, or mode in response to a stimulus.

Rate of Force Development (RFD)

The development of maximal force in minimal time; typically used as an index of explosive strength.

Impulse

The product of generated force and the time required for its production.

Stretch-Shortening Cycle (SSC)

A phenomenon in which musculotendinous complexes are rapidly stretched and then shortened in a reactive or elastic manner.

Spring Mass Model (SMM)

A theoretical model that depicts sprinting as a type of human locomotion where the body's displacement is the result of energy produced through spring-like actions in muscle architecture.

Vertical Force

The force exerted upwards against the ground during running or sprinting, crucial for acceleration and maintaining speed.

Ground Contact Time

The duration for which the foot remains in contact with the ground, influencing speed and agility performance.

Eccentric Strength

The strength of a muscle when it is lengthening under load, important for absorbing forces during change of direction.

Concentric Explosive Strength

The ability to generate force quickly while shortening the muscle, essential during acceleration and reacceleration phases.

Perceptual-Cognitive Ability

The skills related to recognizing and interpreting stimuli to make quick decisions, critical for agility.

Periodization

The systematic planning of athletic training that involves manipulating training variables over time to optimize performance.

Maximal Strength

The absolute maximum force that a muscle can generate in a single effort.

Agility Drills

Exercises designed to improve an athlete's ability to change direction quickly and effectively.

Training Specificity

The principle that training should be relevant and appropriate to the sport for which the individual is preparing.