5 Myths and Misconceptions of Speed Training

5 Myths and Misconceptions of Speed Training

Speed training gets talked about like it’s full of hard rules. In reality, a lot of those “rules” are just habits that don’t apply to every athlete.

Let’s break down five common myths and what actually matters when you’re training for real speed.


Myth #1: You’re Slow Because You’re Weak

Strength matters, but it’s not the full story.

Most athletes, especially younger ones, don’t need more strength. They need to use the strength they already have more effectively. Being able to apply force quickly and in the right direction is what creates speed.

Think about it. If pure strength made you fast, the strongest lifters would be the fastest sprinters. That’s not how it works.

With VertiMax, the goal is to connect strength to movement. You’re training your body to apply force faster, cleaner, and in the right direction. That’s where real speed comes from.


Myth #2: Frontside or Backside Mechanics Matter More

This isn’t an either-or situation.

Frontside mechanics (what happens in front of your body) and backside mechanics (what happens behind it) both matter. Focusing too much on one and ignoring the other creates an imbalance.

Great athletes are efficient on both sides:

  • Strong knee drive and positioning in front
  • Full extension and powerful push behind

VertiMax helps reinforce both by adding resistance through full movement patterns. You’re not isolating one piece. You’re training the entire stride to work together. 


Myth #3: Acceleration and Top Speed Are Completely Different

They’re different phases, but they’re deeply connected.

Acceleration teaches you how to apply force and build momentum. Top speed builds on that by improving how fast you cycle and how efficiently you move.

You don’t train them together all the time because it gets overwhelming, especially for younger athletes. But they absolutely carry over into each other.

With VertiMax, resistance training naturally blends these qualities. You’re building force in acceleration while reinforcing mechanics that show up at top speed.


Myth #4: Acceleration Only Lasts 10–15 Yards

That’s a guideline, not a rule.

Some athletes reach top speed quickly. Others take longer. It depends on strength, mechanics, and experience.

What matters is improving your ability to keep building speed, not shutting it down because you hit a certain distance.

In real sports, acceleration rarely starts from zero. You’re often already moving. VertiMax training is great here because it teaches you how to accelerate from different speeds and positions, not just a static start.


Myth #5: Vertical and Horizontal Forces Are Separate

Force is never just one direction.

When you sprint, you’re not pushing straight down or straight forward. You’re doing both at the same time. The same goes for lateral movement.

Speed comes from how well you direct force, not just how much force you produce.

VertiMax makes this clear by adding resistance in multiple directions. You feel how much force needs to be applied during real movement, not in isolation.


The Bottom Line

Speed isn’t built from one quality or one drill. It’s a combination of:

  • Strength applied correctly
  • Efficient mechanics
  • Smart, focused training

VertiMax works because it ties all of that together. It doesn’t just make you stronger. It teaches your body how to move faster.

 

Steve Leo profile picture

Steve Leo

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Owner, Leo Training Systems

Head Coach, Track & Field and Cross-Country | FDU–FlorhamEducation Manager, Parisi Speed School,  VertiMax Master Trainer & Advisory Board Member

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