Speed is one of the most important factors for football players. The game often comes down to individual battles and speed from a running back or a receiver can allow that player to get past a linebacker or defensive back and make a big play. Bigger linemen also need to work on foot speed so they can get in position to deliver blocks and make tackles.
Function
Whether it's speed to break a long play or quickness along the line of scrimmage, coaches are always looking for ways to help their players get faster. Whether it's repetitive drills so players know exactly what is expected of them on every play or speed exercises, coaches want players who can think fast, move fast and react quickly. Faster players usually mean more wins.
Significance
Linemen are bigger, stronger players who engage with opponents of similar size. Offensive linemen usually try to drive their opponent backward on running plays and this would seem to be a function of strength and power. However, the quickness factor is often the key to the battle when players are even in terms of strength. If the lineman can move his feet fast enough so that he can get leverage -- his shoulder pads are lower than his opponent's -- he has a better chance of winning the battle. Tire drills can help linemen get quicker. In this drill, the coach sets up two rows of eight tires and the players must sprint through the tires by picking their feet up as high as possible, putting them down in the middle of the tires and continuing forward.
Types
One of the primary drills to improve speed is ladder sprints. In this drill, the coach will have his players sprint to the 10-yard line and back, the 20-yard line and back, the 30-yard line and back and the 40-yard line and back. At the conclusion of the drill, the players get a one-minute break and then repeat the drill. Hill running can build explosive speed and power. In this drill, the player runs uphill for 60 feet and downhill the same distance. The player repeats the drill three times. Distance running can help a player build endurance, which aids in maintaining speed for longer periods in the game. Coaches have players run 250 to 300 yards to build endurance.
Potential
Players can help increase their explosive speed and quickness by building up strength in their legs and core muscles. Weightlifting routines and box jumping can help players build quickness. Place a 15-inch square box in the middle of a gym floor and stand to the left of it. Jump over it so you are on the right side. Jump back over it so you are in the starting position on the left side. Do 10 back-and-forth jumps, take a 30-second break and repeat the set.
Considerations
Players who get faster can help their team win games. In addition to the obvious advantage of getting from point A to point B quicker than an opponent, faster players have more confidence. A running back with speed knows he has an advantage and a chance to make a big play if he can get in the open. That confidence can often mean the difference between victory and defeat.
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