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Why do you need a Speed Trainer?

Acceleration performance is important for athletes that need repeat sprint ability. Although acceleration is widely trained for, there is little evidence outlining the key factors. The aim of this study was to determine the kinematic differences between individuals with fast and slow acceleration.

Twenty athletes were tested and filmed for sprint ability over the first three steps of a 15m sprint and classified as fast or slow. Results: The fast group had significantly lower
(11-13% slower) left and right foot contact times, increased stride frequency and better knee extension. However, there was no difference found in stride length.

Conclusion: Athletes who are naturally fast in early acceleration achieve this through "reduced ground contact times resulting in an improved stride frequency."  
Training for improved acceleration should be directed towards using coaching instructions and drills that specifically train such movement adaptations.

(KINEMATIC DETERMINANTS OF EARLY ACCELERATION IN FIELD SPORT ATHLETES, 2003, Murphy, Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 2, 144-150)