Speed

Speed is actually more likely to be categorised as a coordinative ability, as it is primarily dependent on the performance of the nervous system and the processing speed of external stimuli. Nevertheless, speed also depends on the number of fast FT fibres in the muscles as well as the high availability of ATP and creatine phosphate, which speaks in favour of assigning it to the conditional factors.

Born to be a sprinter

This often-heard assertion has a kernel of truth, because genetically every person has a different proportion of fast muscle fibres (type II / FT fibres). A high proportion of these fibres favours the ability to become fast, but this alone is not enough to be really fast. The ability to activate and use these fast fibres during sporting activity is a question of training, just as the factors determining speed performance - intramuscular coordination, explosive strength and technique - play a decisive role. The ideal time to activate the fast fibres and learn movement coordination is between the ages of 8 and 13. The claim should therefore be supplemented: you are born a sprinter, but everyone can become faster!

More info:

• Training explained - Handbook of training theory (Jost Hegner)

  • Fastness

• BASPO-Shop:

  • Physics - Theoretical Foundations (2554.7291)

  • Physis - Practical examples (2554.7294)

• Mobilesport:

  • Fundamentals and techniques of speed training

  • Don't waste any time!

  • Fastness - Four sports - the same goal

  • Speed training (collection of exercises)