What does the word ‘training’ mean in sports ? Explain any two methods of speed development in detail.
The term ‘training’ is a process of preparing
an individual for any event or an activity or for some task. Sports training is considered a long term training programme which aims at improving the performance of a sportsman. Sports training is a planned process by which sportsmen acquire perfection. The purpose of sports training is to get peak performance at a particular time. Sports training programmes are spread over years with preparation period, competition period and transitional period.
Sports training refers to the total planned and systematic process of making a sportsperson capable of attaining highest sports performance and develop an all round personality. The planning, implementation and control of training is the sole responsibility of the coach.
1 Two methods of speed development are :
Acceleration run : It is a method of speed l development. Acceleration is the ability to achieve high speed of locomotion from a stationary position. This type of speed greatly depends upon explosive strength, frequency of movement and technique. For improving acceleration run directly, short sprints over a distance of 30 to 80 metres are the best.
Research studies have revealed that a sprinter, when starts from a stationary position, achieves maximum speed in about 6 seconds. Therefore the distance chosen should be run in about 4 to 6 seconds. However, actual distance may differ from activity to activity and also on the nature of sports.
Pace Races : It is another method which is very good for developing speed of an athlete. The actual distance and number of repetitions for pace depend upon the activity or nature of sport. In these races pace has to be set with another athlete. It involves two athletes with same speed abilities. It is also an effective means for improving speed endurance.
For example : In repetition of 200 metres the pacesetter stands 10-15 metres ahead of the other athlete. The pace setter movement should be properly given otherwise it will slow down the repetition of the good athlete and will have a negative impact on speed and motor co-ordination. Therefore, the pace setter speed should be equally good for training the another athlete.
In pace races the speed of athlete requires a high degree of concentration and complete attention towards the race to get best results.