Speed:

Speed is the physical quality that allows us to move quickly. It is often mixed up with the skill of acceleration. Speed is a mix of producing lots of force in very minimal time (under 0.1 sec). The force needed to travel at top speed comes from the muscular contraction, soft-tissue recoil, and the nervous system. Think of a midfielder in football running 80 metres box to box, and you have got speed.

Acceleration on the other hand is the physical skill that allows us to propel the body (or part of the body) to a new faster speed (normally from standing start). It is a combination of producing muscular force/strength and nervous innervations. Acceleration is vital to many athletes. Think of goalkeeper in football, he accelerates his body from a standing start over 5-10 metres to intercept a pass before the attacker scores.

DNA Sports Performance has a proven track record of increasing the speed and acceleration of elite athletes. For example elite rugby players whom we worked with over 8 weeks increased acceleration by 4%. This could make the difference between wining the Six Nations, or not!