One of my favorite sayings for coaches and trainers is, “We need to be teachers of skills not of drills.” Too often we focus more on the fancy speed drill and not enough on the execution of the skill.
I believe a large part of the blame has to go on inexperience and fear in coaches who are afraid to perform good old basic exercises that work, but are not “sexy.” Most people want to be on YouTube and create a buzz rather than make sure their athletes are getting the best possible instruction.
I want to take a moment and breakdown what a drill should look like if used properly. Remember, the drill isn’t the important component, the execution and the direct application to a particular skill technique is.
Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of a Speed Drill
What Should a Speed Drill Look Like?
- After a thorough assessment, screen, or gathering of pertinent information about what needs to be accomplished a drill can be chosen.
- A speed drill should consist of many levels or progression that can increase or decrease in difficulty.
- A drill should have direct or in-direct application to the end goal in order for the athlete to gain a complete understanding of the importance of the drill.
- The drill should allow for variation in intensity without changing the execution or technique of the drill.
- A drill must be created to be reliable, able to be repeated correctly.
- A drill should be executed correctly in relation to posture, force application, and force absorption.
The above six statements are just some of the components that should make up a drill. We can dig as deep as we want, but these six will help a coach or trainer understand the importance of choosing speed drills correctly to improve the overall skill and goals desired.
If really know me and you have taken the time to read any of my past posts, or view any of my videos: Ground Breaking 2, Low Box Training for Athletes, Basketball Speed I have created, you will notice I base everything off improving skills and NEVER make it about highlighting a drill.
Keep this in mind the next time you design a workout for your athletes.