The Science Behind Speed Training Tulsa Programs

by | Jul 10, 2025 | Speed Training

The Science Behind Speed Training Tulsa Programs

Speed is not just about natural talent—it’s the result of biomechanics, muscle function, and nervous system efficiency. The best Speed Training Tulsa programs use scientific principles to help athletes sprint faster, change direction quicker, and move with purpose.

In this article, we’ll break down how speed is produced in the body, what factors influence it, and how Tulsa coaches apply the science of sprinting to improve performance across all sports.

What Is Speed in Sports?

Speed in athletics is the ability to move quickly from one point to another. It includes:

  • Acceleration: How fast you reach top speed

  • Top-End Speed: Maximum velocity

  • Change of Direction: Lateral movement and agility

  • Reactive Speed: How fast you respond to a stimulus

Each of these is trainable, and they rely on science-backed systems in the body.

The Three Pillars of Sprinting

1. Neuromuscular Coordination

The nervous system controls how efficiently muscles fire. High-speed sprinting requires synchronized movement between the brain and body. Drills in Speed Training Tulsa sessions build this coordination through:

  • Sprint mechanics

  • Rapid foot turnover

  • Arm-leg synchronization

2. Muscle Power and Rate of Force Development (RFD)

Fast athletes produce force quickly. This is called RFD. Sprinting demands explosive power from the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. Plyometrics, sled pushes, and resisted sprints develop this power.

3. Mobility and Joint Mechanics

Range of motion impacts stride length and movement quality. Tight hips or ankles can disrupt sprint mechanics. Tulsa programs emphasize mobility drills to ensure smooth, injury-free movement.

Biomechanics of Sprinting

Sprint mechanics follow specific movement patterns:

Posture

  • Neutral spine

  • Forward lean at start

  • Upright posture at top speed

Arm Swing

  • Elbows bent at 90 degrees

  • Hands drive from cheek to hip

  • Arms create rhythm for legs

Leg Action

  • High knee drive

  • Dorsiflexed foot (toes up)

  • Foot lands under the hips

These mechanics reduce ground contact time and maximize propulsion. Programs like Next Level Athletics Tulsa teach these details in every session.

How Muscles Work in Speed Training

Glutes and Hamstrings

These are the primary engines of sprinting. They power hip extension and drive the body forward.

Quads

The quads help with push-off and knee extension, especially during acceleration.

Calves

The calves handle the final snap of the foot and help absorb landing forces.

Core

Core stability keeps the spine neutral and transfers energy between the upper and lower body.

Tulsa programs focus on strength training that targets these muscle groups to support faster sprinting.

Sprint Phases and How They’re Trained

1. Start Phase

This is the initial 0–10 yards. It’s all about generating power quickly. Tulsa athletes train:

  • Wall drives

  • 3-point start sprints

  • Sled pushes

2. Acceleration Phase

This covers 10–30 yards. It’s about building speed with strong, progressive strides. Training includes:

  • Bounding

  • A-skip variations

  • Resisted sprints

3. Top Speed Phase

This is where form matters most. Drills focus on stride length, posture, and relaxation. Tulsa coaches use:

  • Flying 10s

  • Sprint float drills

  • Video feedback

How the Nervous System Affects Speed

The nervous system controls how fast muscles contract. Speed training enhances:

  • Motor unit recruitment

  • Firing frequency

  • Reaction time

That’s why rest and recovery are vital in high-speed workouts. Too much fatigue blunts the nervous system, slowing progress.

Tulsa coaches carefully program sprint days with ample rest and monitor athlete fatigue to protect nervous system health.

Tools That Bring the Science to Life

Modern Speed Training Tulsa programs use scientific tools to track and improve biomechanics:

  • Video Analysis: Helps refine form frame-by-frame

  • Laser Timing Gates: Provide exact sprint times

  • Force Plates: Measure ground reaction forces

  • Jump Mats: Assess explosive power and symmetry

These tools offer measurable insight into each athlete’s sprint performance.

Applying the Science in Tulsa Programs

Science is only useful when applied correctly. Tulsa coaches use data and research-backed drills to create personalized training plans.

Every session blends:

  • Technical skill work

  • Strength and power development

  • Mobility

  • Sprint-specific conditioning

With consistent application, athletes see faster times, cleaner movement, and fewer injuries.

Final Thoughts: Smart Training Is Fast Training

Speed doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on the science of the body—how we move, how fast we can generate force, and how efficiently we use our muscles.

The most successful Speed Training Tulsa programs harness biomechanics, neuromuscular science, and individualized coaching to help athletes break speed barriers.

Train smart. Train fast. Train with science.

Speed Training Tulsa