Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Strength and Conditioning • Performance Indicators • Periodization

Speed Development

Term from Sports Coaching industry explained for recruiters

Speed Development is a specialized training approach focused on improving an athlete's speed, acceleration, and running efficiency. Coaches use this term to describe programs and methods that help athletes run faster and move more explosively. This could include various training techniques like sprint drills, plyometrics (jump training), and proper running form coaching. It's similar to terms like "velocity training" or "acceleration training." This is a crucial skill for sports coaches, particularly in sports where speed is essential, such as track and field, football, soccer, or basketball.

Examples in Resumes

Designed and implemented Speed Development programs for high school track team, resulting in 20% improvement in sprint times

Led Speed Development and Sprint Training sessions for Division I college football players

Certified in Speed Development and Velocity Training, conducting workshops for youth athletes

Typical job title: "Speed Development Coaches"

Also try searching for:

Speed Coach Sprint Coach Performance Coach Speed and Agility Coach Athletic Development Specialist Track and Field Coach Strength and Conditioning Coach

Where to Find Speed Development Coaches

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you design a comprehensive speed development program for different sports?

Expected Answer: A senior coach should explain how they assess athletes' needs, create customized programs based on sport-specific requirements, and progressively build speed through various phases of training. They should mention safety considerations and how they measure progress.

Q: How do you handle a team of athletes with varying speed abilities?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating scalable workouts, implementing group management strategies, and maintaining safety while challenging athletes of different abilities. Should mention monitoring progress and making adjustments for individual needs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are your strategies for preventing injuries during speed training?

Expected Answer: Should discuss proper warm-up techniques, progression of intensity, monitoring athlete fatigue, and implementing recovery protocols. Should demonstrate knowledge of common speed training injuries and prevention methods.

Q: How do you measure and track athlete progress in speed development?

Expected Answer: Should explain various testing methods, timing systems, progress tracking tools, and how they use data to adjust training programs. Should mention both objective measurements and visual assessment techniques.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of a speed development session?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe proper warm-up procedures, basic sprint mechanics, cool-down routines, and fundamental drills. Should demonstrate understanding of session timing and basic safety protocols.

Q: How do you teach proper running form to beginners?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic running mechanics, common form issues, simple drills for improvement, and how to give clear instructions to athletes. Should mention the importance of starting slowly and building gradually.