Speed Development for Young Athletes

Today's episode features none other than Lee Taft, widely recognized as "The Speed Guy" in the world of athletic performance. With over 35 years of experience, Lee is one of the most respected athletic movement specialists globally, known for revolutionizing the way athletes train for multi-directional speed and agility. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Lee shares his journey from growing up as a multi-sport athlete to becoming a pioneer in speed and movement training. We dive into critical topics like the ideal age to begin speed development, the difference between speed and agility, the importance of foundational movement, and how to avoid common training mistakes. You'll also hear about Lee's signature concepts like the "Plyo Step" and "Hip Turn," his approach to designing youth training programs, and the science behind why everyone—not just the genetically gifted—can improve their speed. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why speed isn't just genetic—and how any athlete can improve ✅ The best age to begin speed training in young athletes ✅ The difference between speed and agility—and why both matter ✅ How foundational movement skills lay the groundwork for athletic success ✅ Key components of an effective youth speed workout ✅ Why overtraining is a real risk—and how to avoid it ✅ The impact of strength training on speed development ✅ How multi-sport participation affects an athlete's long-term development Whether you work with young athletes or just want to understand how to build better movers, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to level up your knowledge of speed training and help the next generation of athletes reach their full potential. Guest: Lee Taft, CSCS, FAFS – Athletic Movement Specialist, Coach, and Global Educator www.leetaft.com | @leetaft (Instagram/Twitter)