How To Develop Sprinting Speed For Football

Speed is one of the most essential characteristics for football players. Wide receivers who run faster than defensive backs have a chance to make the catch and then run away from the tackler. Running backs, linebackers, defensive backs and return specialists all depend on speed to make plays -- and all will benefit from becoming faster. A number of drills and exercises can help a football player increase speed.

Step 1

Attach a running parachute to increase your speed. Place the chute over your shoulders as if you were wearing a backpack. Start at the goal line and sprint to the opposite goal line. As you run, the chute will unfurl and create a significant resistance. Do not turn around or slow down. Regather the chute and sprint back in the opposite direction. When you hit the 50-yard mark, hit the release button and the chute will drop off. This will create a surge of speed and help you run faster.

Step 2

Create a rope ladder on the field or in the gym. Run through each of the squares on the ladder as quickly as you can. When you finish it, turn around and sprint back to where you started. Take a one-minute break and repeat the set.

Step 3

Run on hills to increase your speed. Running uphill will increase you power and quickness. Running downhill will improve your balance and running form. Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice ran hills throughout his career to prepare for each season, and he is widely considered to be one of the best receivers in professional football history.

Step 4

Lift weights to build strength and power in your legs. This will help you hold your speed late in games and throughout the season. The leg press, leg curls and lunges will help you gain the strength needed to develop a more powerful base, allowing you to cover more ground with each stride.