The Power of Resistance Running in Speed Training

The Power of Resistance Running to Improve Speed 
There a many forms of resistance running exercises to improve speed. Anyone looking to improve speed should have this type of component in their training regiment.
Resistance training benefits include the development of better ground forces to propel the body as well as improving stride length.
Some of the most popular forms include:  hills, parachutes, partner, tires and sleds and variable mechanical devices.
All can be effective at some level. Here is how I rank their effectiveness. Best to least.
1. Variable Resistance – capability to adjust athlete appropriate load/resistance.
2. Sleds – also adjustable but cumbersome to use. Multiple weights to change load.
3. Hills – no variable resistance, need multiple hills, can lead to shin, knee back injuries.
4. Tires– cumbersome, inconsistent resistance.
5. Parachutes – can experience inconsistent resistance during acceleration.
6. Partner – only as good as the person providing resistance.
At Gamespeed we Level Up our resistance speed training by using variable load devices to provide the correct loads appropriate to each individual athlete. Not just doing it, but doing it better is what we are all about.  Only the Swift Survive
Train Hard: Good
 Train Smart: Better
The Power of Resistance Running in Speed Training2019-08-22T10:41:46-07:00

Youth Speed Skills

Gamespeed was the first in the Bay Area to conduct youth performance training classes. The Youth Speed Skills class is still going strong 20 years later. We take a “Right Start” approach to training young athletes.  We believe a strong foundation of fundamental athletic skills sets the base for future success and health in sports. We don’t copy adult training routines, we train athletes for the specific point they are in their development. That’s a program you can trust!

Youth Speed Skills Classes Are Offered All Year Long

Sundays – 9-10am

Wednesdays – 5-6pm

Saturdays – TBD

Single Session Cost: $37 (cash/check) $40 (credit)

Our Curriculum Philosophy- “Skill First Training”

We base our training on developing the pillars of athleticism: Speed, Strength, Coordination and Agility. As athletes are taught to move better you see improvements in speed and power outputs. These movement patterns allow an athlete to maximize their current level of development at each stage of their growth. Unlike most programs who take a “work until you sweat” mentality we provide your athlete with a skill set that follows them throughout their athletic career.

We really liked Aarons approach. Instead of just running the kids they were learning […]

Youth Speed Skills2021-12-17T13:47:53-08:00

The Power of Sleep for Athletes

Not getting the right amount of sleep can be costing you on the field. The three pillars of Sports performance can be summed up as your: Training (Work), Recovery (Rest)  and Fuel (Nutrition). All of these must be done properly and within the right ratios, any imbalance can hurt performance.

In the “rise and grind” mentality of misinformed athletes, parents and trainers Recovery is the most often overlooked. Sleep is a huge part of any recovery program and most don’t understand the effects a lack of sleep can have on an athlete.

By not getting the minimum 8 hours did you know:

Endurance– Studies found Cardiovascular endurance and maximum aerobic power was decreased by 20.9%. In sports separations of just 1-3% can be huge imagine giving a whopping 20% advantage in any area.

Injury Rates– Athletes who average 5 hours of sleep or less have a 60% increase in injuries.

Performance – A UCSF study found that the Stanford basketball team players who got 9-10 hours of sleep over five weeks increased their free throw percentage by 9% (skill-focus) and lowered their half court sprint by .75 seconds (roughly one-two steps).

Metabolic Response – Weight gain, inflammation can occur if sleeping improperly.

Want to get good sleep?

    […]
The Power of Sleep for Athletes2021-06-25T12:28:56-07:00

Experience at Gamespeed Fuels Cyclist Return

We’ve all heard the expression: “It’s like riding a bike”. Well it was literally for former Gamespeed client Stephen Boland. He came to me years ago (2005) to train as a masters track athlete. We had some great private sessions not only from a training standpoint but just the conversations we had about training approach and philosophy. Well he took both to heart and recently wrote me on how he was doing in his athletic life. Just have to say pretty fearless guy. Cool stuff read on………….

Hey Aaron.

Hope you are well. I still follow you on several social media sites though I don’t post too much.

I had major repair of my left shoulder 18 months ago. I took a fall on some steps on the way to 4 am weights session and blew everything out. Needed 4 procedures. That took me off sprint training for awhile. Rehab went well and I was pretty conservative. I’m back in the gym lifting just as heavy and doing everything as before.

I decided to return to cycling after a 15 year layoff. Track cycling is a new discipline for me. In road cycling one can mask poor conditioning by drafting and other tactics. Track goes […]

Experience at Gamespeed Fuels Cyclist Return2019-07-06T13:57:04-07:00

A Summer Strength Program, Now’s The Time

Summer is an optimum time to make strength and size gains. The advantage summer presents for most is TIME.  Without the obligation of school student athletes can put together and manage a very comprehensive and consistent strength training plan.

More Available Training Hours – With no school you may have a few more available  hours to schedule gym time.  Now you can take your time and not just squeeze it in but quality time. Also with more time comes more CONSISTENCY which is the foundation for developing strength.

Replenish Strength Stores– Reload!!! Summer is a great time to replenish strength stores that are depeleted from the rigors of the past competitive season.

 Correct Imbalances – Get the body centered. Playing sports creates imbalances that need to be corrected in the off season.

Reset from Minor and Major Injuries: For those whose competitive seasons were more demanding you can recover from injuries and trauma and reset the body  for the upcoming season.

Do Things The Right Way – Time to cross the T’s and dot the I’s in terms of volume, intensity, rest and nutrition. Less distractions during the summer can allow you to focus in on the small things that matter.

Leveling Up Your Training – […]

A Summer Strength Program, Now’s The Time2021-12-17T13:48:14-08:00

Inside Amir Khan’s Training Camp – Terence Crawford Fight

Amir Khan has been training with coach Aaron Thigpen at Gamespeed for his last three fights. You can also watch BT Sports.com  “Training Day” for a recent look at his training. #TrainingDay #CrawfordKhan

Amir Khan and Terence Crawford meet in a high-stakes battle April 20th. for the WBC Welterweight Championship at Madison Square Garden in New York. 

Following excerpt from Bleacher Report.com

Crawford, 31, is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and he owns a perfect professional record of 34-0.

The Nebraska native has dominated the competition en route to becoming a champion in three different weight classes, but he has just two fights under his belt at welterweight.

Inside Amir Khan’s Training Camp – Terence Crawford Fight2019-05-07T11:20:26-07:00

Are you showcase ready?

Whether you are a newbie or veteran of the showcase experience here are a few suggestions before you attend your next one.

Are you showcase ready?2019-02-04T11:23:22-08:00

60 yard dash – A fast sixty begins with getting off to the right start

START – Practice multiple stances. Straight ahead start and baseball steal position. Be comfortable and well balanced in your stance, ready to explode. Too much lean or being off balance can cause you to stumble or impede your ability to drive out fast.

60 yard dash – A fast sixty begins with getting off to the right start2021-12-17T13:48:44-08:00

Inside Dominic Braezeale’s Training Camp – Deontay Wilder Fight

This is Braezeale’s first camp with Aaron Thigpen of Gamespeed. He is undergoing training to improve speed, footwork and overall fitness. He brings athleticism and a athletes intellect that has allowed him to improve rapidly.

Deontay Wilder meets Dominic Breazeale May 18 on Showtime

The undefeated Heavyweight World Champion defends his WBC title for the ninth time when he faces his mandatory challenger at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY……..READ THE STORY HERE

See the Gamespeed training camps of other world class fighters such as Andre WardAndre Berto. and Amir Khan

Inside Dominic Braezeale’s Training Camp – Deontay Wilder Fight2019-05-10T16:39:05-07:00

So Your Going to A Showcase: Why?

Many times athletes go to showcases without any concrete goals. Some go simply because they feel its cool to go or want to see who else is going. Many go hoping and wishing some college is going to offer a scholarship right on the spot (not likely). All very poor reasons to attend a showcase. Goals for going to showcases should have a concrete . Primarily to further your DEVELOPMENT as a player! This in turn can improve your chances in the recruiting process. (Ultimate Goal!) Some of the right reasons for attending a showcase can be: Wanting to get an idea how they match up against their recruiting class (talent reality check). For others, it might be, to see how it feels to participate under the gun, when important people are watching. Whatever the case you should have a defined goal and stick with it when participating. Don’t be all over the place. A showcase is not the time for posting pictures and videos on instagram. Be ready , leave your ego behind, learn and grow from the experience. As a result you will be a better athlete, ready for the next showcase.

By […]

So Your Going to A Showcase: Why?2021-12-17T13:49:21-08:00
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