Should one do horizontal broad jumps to get horizontal speed on the soccer field. Should we do glute and hamstring training to get more extension? What about speed sumo deadlifts? With some of the research on plyometrics and early acceleration, I am intrigued by the results and the fact it’s done in-season. Dr. Nassis posted a short summary of improving first step speed and it was clear that vertical force application generally can transfer horizontal speed. Conversely the opposite is true, that theoretical horizontal activity can help vertical propulsion. While hip height may vary to the impressive or barely visible levels of elites, we need to look at the kinetic forces and not visual clues all of the time, and research such as the Chelly studies are helping us understand that specificity is in the eye of the beholder.
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