Breaking Down The 40
Corey Poole
Corey Poole
Regardless of the sport, everyone knows a person’s bragging rights for speed is based on their “40 time.” Last week we discussed the importance of training your mind. This week let’s discuss the mystery behind running a mind-blowing time in the 40 yard dash.
Many people view the 40 yard dash as a quick and simple race. However, it actually consists of three separate phases: the stance, start and acceleration. Even though the majority of the race takes place in the acceleration phase, which consists of 5-35 yards, the stance and start phases predict how efficient the acceleration phase will be. How you execute the first 5 yards, or the first 3 steps, determines how you will finish the race. It is important to assume a proper stance in order to maximize your forward drive in the start. All things being equal, if you put two runners with the same top end speed in a race, the one with the proper stance will have an advantage in the start and acceleration phases.
A “40 time” you can brag about does not come from raw speed and natural quickness. It takes discipline to execute the phases properly. My wife often jokes that my slogan for speed camps should be, “No Cash, No 40 yard dash!” We’ll have to forgive her, she’s also my accountant.
Corey Poole, CFT, SSC
The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste
Corey Poole
By Corey Poole
Do you remember this slogan from those old anti-drug commercials of the 80’s? Some of you may be too young. But it is definitely a true statement. After working with some of the greatest athletes in high school, college and the NFL, I have observed that the athletes with strong minds achieve better results.
Training the mind should be one of the first areas of focus when beginning a program. The mind controls the body. The more the mind focuses, the greater the intensity. A strong mind reassures an athlete of his own ability, especially in the heat of the moment.
Most athletes concentrate on the physical aspects of training and although this is important, we must not forget the mind must also be conditioned. Can you see yourself jumping higher, running faster, and getting stronger? It’s all starts in the mind.
Stay tuned next week for tips on increasing speed.
Corey Poole, CFT, SSC
coreypoolespeed@aol.com
4Quartersonline Welcomes Corey Poole Speed Guru
- Corey Poole
By Johnny Cofield
Playing the game of football and becoming a top player requires something more than understanding your Xs and Os . The top players often do more than lift weights. Football is a game where speed gives the “great ones” an advantage. Some are born with it and others have to work on it. Being in the game for more than twenty years, I understand that if you want to get faster you have got to work on it. Pro athletes spend thousands of dollars on speed gurus to train them every off season because they understand faster is better. Coaching has allowed me to meet some of the best and that why I’m proud to announce the owner of Optimum Performance Group Corey Poole as a contributing writer with 4Quartersonline. Every Wednesday Corey will discuss techniques he uses in the training of athletes from the beginner to the professional.
Corey Poole has spent the last 12 years making world class athletes stronger and faster. After receiving training from Olympians, Corey is widely considered a speed guru and has developed a quite a following. His programs are known for producing measurable results in the areas of speed and sports conditioning. While attending Florida A& M University, he competed for and won numerous MEAC Track and Field Titles. He holds certificates in fitness training and is a specialist in sports conditioning for the International Sports Sciences Association and trains athletes in various fields ranging from professional and college football to baseball, soccer, and track and field. In addition to preparing professional and collegiate athletes for maximum performance, Corey has an extensive background in working with amateur sports teams and has prepared several high school track and field teams to win state titles.
Corey’s first article will be next Wednesday July 14, 2009