Sports Speed

Rating:
Summary: A very tough read.
Review: As the title suggests, this is a book about improving your speed. It is a general book applicable to any sport. And so the authors go to great lengths to generalize their program. I expected to read about the latest in exercise physiology concerning speed, recommended training, and exercises. We do get that sort of thing in a manner of speaking, but to put it very bluntly, this book is one of the most jumbled, mixed up, illogical presentations you are likely to read. Hard to believe three college graduates put this together. In order to get anything out of this book you kind of have to trudge all the way through it and improvise your thought process as you go. The authors give absolutely zero help. Do we get titles to the latest studies on sport speed--in the negative. Do we get information on the latest persons doing research on the subject--in the negative. Do we get a logical, understandable training program--in the negative. What we get instead is kind of a hodge podge of information coming from all directions without hardly any logical organized presentation. Oh--there is the seven step speed training program presented in 7 different chapters. And to give credit--it does look like this is a good speed improvement program. However the information the seven chapters (and you have to get through 3 almost imconprehensible chapters to get to the program) seems to rain down from the sky in a very disconnected fashion. There are few explanations of the whys and wherefores; there are zero explanations on where the program comes from or how it was put together, or where it fits in anywhere in what is being done by any one. It is just there, presented, and I suppose we are supposed to swallow it all on faith. There are presented many descriptions and photographs of useful looking exercises. I do know more about speed improvement after reading the book. But the information was gotten by pulling teeth.

Rating:
Summary: A very tough read.
Review: As the title suggests, this is a book about improving your speed. It is a general book applicable to any sport. And so the authors go to great lengths to generalize their program. I expected to read about the latest in exercise physiology concerning speed, recommended training, and exercises. We do get that sort of thing in a manner of speaking, but to put it very bluntly, this book is one of the most jumbled, mixed up, illogical presentations you are likely to read. Hard to believe three college graduates put this together. In order to get anything out of this book you kind of have to trudge all the way through it and improvise your thought process as you go. The authors give absolutely zero help. Do we get titles to the latest studies on sport speed--in the negative. Do we get information on the latest persons doing research on the subject--in the negative. Do we get a logical, understandable training program--in the negative. What we get instead is kind of a hodge podge of information coming from all directions without hardly any logical organized presentation. Oh--there is the seven step speed training program presented in 7 different chapters. And to give credit--it does look like this is a good speed improvement program. However the information the seven chapters (and you have to get through 3 almost imconprehensible chapters to get to the program) seems to rain down from the sky in a very disconnected fashion. There are few explanations of the whys and wherefores; there are zero explanations on where the program comes from or how it was put together, or where it fits in anywhere in what is being done by any one. It is just there, presented, and I suppose we are supposed to swallow it all on faith. There are presented many descriptions and photographs of useful looking exercises. I do know more about speed improvement after reading the book. But the information was gotten by pulling teeth.

Rating:
Summary: The Next Level!!
Review: I'm a defensive back (6'2, 205) who has been trying to take it to the next level and find a team. I don't have the luxury of trainers and fancy equipment. All I have is all I get. This book helps me get more than I know I have.

I never knew why all that stuff was important until I read this book. Now when I work out, I know what's happening to me and what I need to do in order to make it happen more. They even get down to the mental aspect of training as well as breathing techniques. The exercises they illustrate are definitely speed and agility powerhouses! Believe me I know!

This book proves that sprinting isn't just running, but a complex science and it has "Dumbed It Down" for all who read. They say that sprinters are born not made, well this book proves that sprinters are born on the track as well and not just in the womb. The scouts are going to love me come May 13th in Atlanta. Thanks for the insights fellas!!

Rating:
Summary: Don't believe the hype!
Review: The book deserves some credit because it does list contemporary training techniques in a comprehensive fashion, but it does not bring them together in a practical manner. There are also certain errors: 1) That you should do plyometrics last in a training program. Yeah right, high intensity training when you're tired. That removes the benefits and sets an individual up for injury. 2) Not mentioning true periodization for strength training. 3) Presenting impractical programs, especially for high school athletes. 4) Giving credibility to a fad diet (i.e. The Zone). That's almost shameful. If I had time, I'd list some other complaints. It's sad, but I have to admit that this is the best book out there for speed training. Just read it critically!

Rating:
Summary: Overrated
Review: This book is mostly a kitchen sink approach to speed training methods and is a sure fire perscription for overtraining. And as previous reviews have pointed out, the book does not provide an overall logic that helps the athlete or coach properly integrate the training elements. The book does not properly explain how the components of its sytem interact with each other and how they should be balanced against each other when determining the needs of a given individual athlete. In addition, many of the techniques, most notably overspeed training, are highly dubious and most likely counter productive. For those interested in proven speed training methods, I highly recommend Training for Speed by Charlie Francis, which is light years ahead of SportSpeed. Also be on the lookout for Charlie's new training manual which should be released by the end of 2002 and will make every other book on speed training obsolete.

Rating:
Summary: Following what this book says will build speed up
Review: This book is the best source I have ever found for building up speed. It provides excercises, tables, and helpful tips that can only build up your speed enormously if you follow them.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful...or helpful
Review: This book tells you many ways to improve your speed....What plyometrics you should do.....and soooo many ways to imrove yourself..ways which YOU wouldn't have thought of!

Rating:
Summary: Great Book for Runningbacks
Review: This is an excellent book for backs who need more speed, like me. There are many, many ways to improve speed. All of which are helpful. Any athlete needs to read this book, it will take them to the next level of performance.