01/02/2019
Whether you’re training for strength, endurance, or a combination of the two, the benefit of adding speed, agility, and quickness drills to your fitness routine can take your game to the next level no matter what sport you play. All athletes can benefit from improved balance, quicker feet, and a faster reaction time, and this is exactly what Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) drills help you achieve. While SAQ drills are often thought of as interchangeable, it is important to recognise how these components are related, as well as how they differ.
Speed
General refers to the speed of which you’re able to move your arms and legs, in a way that allows you to move as fast as possible in a straight line. This is often referred to as linear speed. If you notice you have difficulty keeping up with or breaking away from your teammates and competitors, you will likely benefit from adding speed drills.
Agility
While speed refers to moving in a straight line, agility is the ability to change direction quickly and effectively. If you struggle moving side-to-side, or find yourself off balance a lot, agility training will help improve your performance.
Quickness
While speed and agility rely on a combination of core and lower-body strength, quickness refers to your body’s reflexive reactions. Quickness measures your instant and rapid responses, and drills to improve these abilities usually only last several seconds. If you have trouble getting your body into position quickly or lack explosiveness in your first few steps, adding quickness drills to increase your reaction time will help you be a quicker athlete.
Examples of SAQ Drills and the Components They Target:
T-Drill: Agility, Speed
Zig Zag Drill: Agility, Speed
Tennis Ball Drop: Quickness, Agility
Chase Drills: Speed, Agility, Quickness
SAQ Drills Provide Tangible Benefits for Multiple Disciplines.
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