Resisted and Assisted Training for Sprint Speed: A Brief Review

Sprinting speed and acceleration can be found in major sports such as soccer, football, baseball, and basketball. Speed is defined as maximal running velocity and is calculated by dividing distance traveled by time, usually expressed as meters per second (m/s). Similarly, acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity and is calculated by dividing change in speed by time, usually expressed as m/s/s or simply m/s2. Coaches implement a variety of training programs to increase both components, and athletes are always searching for the best ways to improve their performance. An assortment of different approaches have been implemented to increase speed such as resistance training to increase strength [1,2]. Implementation of specific sprint training along with nonspecific methods can increase speed and athletic performance [3]. In this way, training specificity seeks to promote adaptations with a direct carryover to sport. Two specific sprint speed programs that are popular with strength coaches are overload or resisted training and over speed or assisted training [4-6].