Why Speed Matters in Youth Football
Did you know that every second sprint in football is less than 10 meters? This means acceleration—not top speed—is the game-changer. The faster a player can reach top speed, the better they perform in short bursts of play.
However, many young players unknowingly slow themselves down with poor sprint mechanics. In this article, we’ll break down the three most common sprinting mistakes and show how simple adjustments can lead to faster acceleration, better control, and improved performance on the field.
Mistake #1: Fake step
Many young players waste time at the starting line by moving their foot backward before taking off. This means they’re already losing valuable milliseconds before even accelerating.
✅ Fix: Keep the foot planted and push off immediately, with weight shifted onto the front foot.
Mistake #2: Poor Body Projection
Acceleration isn’t just about leg movement—it’s about driving the entire body forward. Many young athletes fail to fully extend their hips when sprinting, limiting their power.
✅ Fix: Teach players to push their hips forward and create a straight-line projection from foot to head during acceleration.
Mistake #3: Landing on the Heels
Foot placement is everything! If a player lands on their heels, they’re essentially braking before accelerating—slowing down instead of speeding up.
✅ Fix: Focus on landing under the body, on the balls of the feet, to maintain forward momentum.
Drills to Improve Sprint Mechanics
The good news? These mistakes are fixable! Two simple drills can make a huge difference:
🏆 Speed Hop: Helps players practice the correct sprinting position and explosive movement.
🏆 Stork Drill: Teaches proper knee lift and foot placement for smooth acceleration.
Conclusion: Give Your Player the Edge!
Speed isn’t just about natural talent—it’s about training smart. Fixing these three common mistakes can help youth football players run faster, accelerate better, and gain a real advantage on the field.
Want to see these fixes in action? Watch our full video now!
