ELEMENTS OF SPEED

When a player like England and Arsenal’s Theo Walcott blazes down the touch line, and we think to
ourselves “Wow, he’s fast!”, we are referring to his maximum speed. There are other elements of speed
however, which include starting speed, acceleration, and speed maintenance.

Starting Speed

Starting speed refers to how quickly you can cover the first few steps (yards), usually from a stationary
position. Starting speed is important when a central defender closes down a striker as he receives a ball in
the penalty area; or for a central midfielder checking quickly to receive a pass in tight spaces. Starting
speed involves overcoming inertia by pushing forcefully into the ground with the feet. Force is generated
from the ankles, knees and hips, and applying the force effectively is dependent on good body orientation
and foot work. The first step must be short and in the intended direction of movement. The foot should
land slightly behind the hips and push down and backwards. There also needs to be a positive angle
(about 45 degrees) between the ground and your body (Figure 4.2). Having this positive body angle
allows for maximum force generation. A major difference between starting speed (and accelerating) in
soccer compared to sprinting in track and field, is that the eyes must be looking up and not down into the
ground!

FIGURE 4.2 Body Alignment during Starting Speed and Acceleration