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If you want to run fast, you have to run fast in training. I know, common sense right? But it’s true.
Since starting CrossFit I’ve also been told if you lift slow you will always lift slow. Once you understand the movement required for the lift, you need to perform that lift with more and more speed over time, in order to improve your lift speed.
In other words, in order to get fast-ER, you have to make sure you take the time to train fast (run fast, lift fast, workout fast in your training).
With that concept in mind …
Do you ever train softball FAST so you can increase your speed of play? Or keep up with higher levels of speed as you go further in the game?
When I say “train FAST,” I’m talking about performing the movement in practice for the sole purpose of doing it as fast as you possibly can.
Do you ever do drills where you…
- Swing FAST to increase bat speed?
- Run bases FAST to increase baserunning speed?
- Field and throw FAST to increase play making speed?
- Pitch FAST to increase your pitching speed?
Or do you only train technique?
Do you only train at “normal” speed?
If you want to perform softball movements FASTER (it’s the only way to keep up as you move into higher levels of play), part of your training must be dedicated to playing FAST!
Think about it this way, a sprinter, who is in the business of being fast, would never ONLY practice running technique. Right? Sprinters often work on speed. They do speed drills in training for the purposes of getting faster in performance.
So if you want to stay ahead of your competition…
- if you want to get the ball to first before the batter/runner
- if you want to get to your opponents line drive before it hits the ground
- if you want to beat out throws on the bases
- etc, etc, etc
You MUST remember to train fast in order to BE fast or in order to get faster!
Now I’m not saying you can’t train slow, nor am I saying that you must practice at your highest speed ALL the time. There are times and places and purposes for going slow. BUT if you never go top speed in practice, don’t expect yourself to go top speed in the game and don’t expect to get faster by practicing slow. Just something to think about.
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