Philosophical Weightlifting Podcast Ep. 285: Basics of Speed Training & Conditioning | Chris Taber, PhD
Apr 21, 2025
Chris Taber, PhD, an expert in strength and power development, shares his insights on optimizing speed training for athletes. He discusses the importance of tailored conditioning for team sports, especially football and soccer. Taber highlights the need for a thorough needs analysis to enhance performance safely. The conversation dives into effective training methodologies, including structured drills and the role of timing gates. Listeners also learn about evaluating speed through innovative sprint tests and the significance of individualized training plans.
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Begin with Sport Needs Analysis
- Start conditioning with a detailed needs analysis of the sport to understand time domains, distances, and specific demands like sprints and changes of direction.
- Use this analysis to guide athlete testing and develop tailored conditioning and sprinting plans.
Use Incline Sprints for Mechanics
- Use incline sprints early in training to teach acceleration mechanics and hold correct sprint positions.
- Progress to flat sprints and include drills like skips and bounds to develop rhythm and technique.
Football Conditioning Energy Systems
- Conditioning in football involves phosphagen and glycolytic systems supported by aerobic work, usually via tempo running, not long steady-state runs.
- Tempo running builds work capacity and running mechanics without overtaxing athletes, fitting sport-specific demands.