How & Why Sprinting Creates the Best Athletes

Effective speed training from my perspective ... how & why sprinting creates the best athletes. Speed is the tide that lifts all boats when it comes to training and athleticsm. Speed and agility training in the offseason is key.
You can find this full presentation (and others) on CoachTube.com
This presentation covers the fundamental concepts of a Feed the Cats program and offseason speed training. I discuss how to develop speed, focus on sprinting, and how to leverage the weight room without interfering with speed.
Speed is the tide that lifts all boats.
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Feed the Cats is a revolutionary way of training, coaching, and teaching that values specificity, essentialism, performance, and love. After gaining a world-wide following in Track & Field, FTC has now gained a foothold in American football, along with other sports.
Thanks for watching, and I'll see you on the next one!

[@ijad_nation6083]

If you speed train and lift in the same day how much days rest should you have after that

[@silveyconsulting3184]

Coach, thanks in advance for your reply. I ran a 400m time trial yesterday (7/14 )in prep for my meet on 7/20 which will involve the 400 and 200m. I am 57y/o. Is one day rest (7/15) sufficient before the subsequent training.?

[@coachtonyholler]

@@silveyconsulting3184 Yes. One day off is fine, unless it’s not. Only train fresh. (And, my guys NEVER run more than a 200 in practice. No 300s, 400s, or 500s.

[@eclipsewrecker]

I’ve never seen anybody get slower from lifting heavy; but, more specifically, from lifting frequently. We seem to adapt easily to our normal movements. If you are moving normally (in training) at sub-maximal speeds, then you’ll adapt to those speeds. If you control for specific variables (like grip strength and range of motion), the best non lifting athletes do trapbar-rack-pull-with straps from knee height as good or better than the slower lift-experienced athletes.

[@BoJack32]

Lifting heavy is not the enemy. The enemy is neglecting speed development.

[@coachtonyholler]

@@BoJack32 100%

[@coachtonyholler]

@@eclipsewrecker I have tons of data that proves you wrong.

[@eclipsewrecker]

@@coachtonyholler i think that you are likely limiting certain words to mean very specific things, that they shouldn’t mean by default. How about trying to steel-man what I’m saying to make sure we are on the same understanding?

[@coachtonyholler]

@@eclipsewrecker Steel-man? 🥴

[@sambsialia]

Coach. How do you view training for master’s athletes? People like Attia are pushing VO2 max, but they tend towards aerobic energy. I read the Barbell Prescription and I do farmers carries a lot, because I was told they fix posture and I dont wanna be old with a bent back. I know this may not be your wheelhouse, but maybe you can point us older cats in the right direction?

[@coachtonyholler]

@@sambsialia SPRINT.

[@idx1941]

Define master's athletes? Do you mean older folks still engaged in athletic competition? Or do you mean training for longevity? Attia is mainly speaking of longevity. If you want to age well...be very cautious of activities that could cause severe injuries. When we get old...things don't stretch, they snap!! Very often, folks let their egos be their training guide. When you get old you just have to accept certain realities. Suffering a training injury could mean you've severely compromised the quality of your remaining years.

[@stuartgilbert8619]

Sprint, for longevity? Is there reasoning behind this? I can see the argument behind a higher VO2 max…even if I don’t agree with it. But I’ve never heard a centenarian or blue zoner, when interviewed about the secrets to longer life, boast about their 40 yard or 100 metre time. There again I’ve not heard them boast about their 5K times or VO2 max either.

[@coachtonyholler]

@@stuartgilbert8619 Because everyone jogs.

[@stuartgilbert8619]

@@coachtonyholler I would argue with that. I would however say, that the form of movement that best transfers to having a positive benefit for longevity is walking. One common factor that most, if not all long lifers cite is activity, low level movement and lots of it. Chores, gardening, walking etc. Another common factor is a lack of stress in their lives. Think fight or flight adrenaline rushes or low level chronic stress. Exercise, whether it be sprinting, distance running or lifting are all stressors to the body. The one good aspect of your approach is what you consistently highlight…don’t burn the steak…look for the minimum effective approach…keep your athletes healthy.

[@Nii645]

How can i get stronger calfs , without getting slower

[@OfficialComentery]

Do Isometric exercises for ankle rocker series by Chris Korfist and Kal Dietz.

[@Jacobsprintz]

The isometrics will eliminate slack in the muscle by training the tendon, which will create greater stiffness so you will actually develop some speed

[@coachtonyholler]

@@Nii645 Can’t. Sprint and jump.

[@ohno837]

Is there any benefit to do longer runs occasionally is in the stimulation category

[@BoJack32]

@@ohno837 How long? (And I would doubt it.) Tony has his 400m guys running 200m sprints.

[@coachtonyholler]

@@ohno837 I’ve found longer runs unnecessary.

[@ohno837]

@@coachtonyholler have you found just sprinting to be better for wrestlers?

[@coachtonyholler]

@@ohno837 Sprinting is good for ATHLETES. Athletes make better wrestlers.

[@ohno837]

@@coachtonyholler thank you coach