Sam's Four-Step Model for Developing Speed

In this episode, Coach Coop and Jay interview Sam Portland, a speed specialist and founder of Speed by Portland. Sam shares his journey into the industry and his passion for speed. He discusses the importance of experience and results over certifications and formal education. Sam breaks down his four-step model for developing speed: general speed, specific speed, special speed, and tactical speed. He emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between the weight room and the field and focuses on improving technique and minimizing errors to enhance speed performance. In this part of the conversation, Sam discusses how he helped an athlete named David improve his acceleration. He explains the importance of hip projection and maximizing the center of mass to generate speed. Sam also shares his approach to training and how he uses drills and games like Speedgate Golf to teach athletes to control different percentages of their speed. He emphasizes the need for coaches to let go of the barbell and focus on movement. His advice to coaches is to learn how to move by playing sports and to coach in a way that feels right to them.