Chris Korfist’s Insights on Football Speed Training: Debunking Common Myths
Introduction
In a thought-provoking lecture, Chris Korfist, a renowned figure in the world of speed training, shared his insights on football speed training. His presentation shed light on several misconceptions surrounding the development of speed in athletes. In this article, we will delve into Chris Korfist’s statements and examine his views on what it takes to build speed effectively.
The NFL’s Restrictive Training Environment
Chris Korfist touched upon the limitations imposed by the NFL on sprint training. He emphasized that the NFL’s strict regulations, requiring an athletic trainer to be present during sprint workouts, can hinder athletes from training for speed in the most effective way. This restriction is particularly surprising given the essential role that sprinting plays in football.
College Programs and Misplaced Priorities
Korfist also discussed the common tendency of college programs to prioritize adding muscle mass to their players, often at the expense of speed. He pointed out that this approach may inadvertently slow down athletes who were originally faster in high school. His viewpoint challenges the conventional belief that bigger equals better in football.
High School Coaches’ Lack of Freedom
High school coaches looking to develop speed in their athletes often find themselves constrained by the decisions of higher-ranking individuals. Korfist highlighted the limited freedom these coaches have to experiment with innovative training methods. This lack of autonomy can stifle the development of effective speed training regimens.
The Importance of Freedom to Experiment
Drawing from his own experiences, Chris Korfist emphasized the significance of freedom in developing successful speed training programs. He credited his ability to experiment and adapt his methods as a key factor in his success as a speed coach. In contrast, high school coaches may shy away from taking risks due to the fear of repercussions if unconventional methods do not yield immediate results.
Blame on Strength Coaches
Korfist discussed the common trend of blaming strength coaches when athletes underperform in speed and agility. High school coaches are often criticized for not pushing their athletes hard enough, even when external limitations hinder their efforts. Korfist’s insights underscore the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by strength coaches.
The Science of Speed
In his lecture, Chris Korfist delved into the science behind speed development. He emphasized the importance of factors such as zero-step projection, foot placement, and generating horizontal force. Coaches must equip themselves with a deeper understanding of these scientific principles to help athletes maximize their speed potential.
Conclusion
Chris Korfist’s lecture provides valuable insights into the world of football speed training, challenging common myths and shedding light on the hurdles faced by coaches at different levels. His emphasis on freedom to experiment, scientific understanding, and the importance of individualized training approaches can guide high school coaches in their quest to develop faster and more agile football players. Korfist’s expertise serves as a valuable resource for coaches aiming to debunk misconceptions and improve their athletes’ speed and performance on the field. Reflexive Performance Reset is a Tool used by Chris’s athletes daily.
