How Max Velocity Training Gives Your Athlete the Edge

What is Max Velocity?

Max velocity is the highest speed an athlete can reach when running at full effort in a straight line. At Wilmington Strength, we measure max velocity progress through Fly 10s, tracking each athlete’s top speed in mph and seeing how they improve over time. You’ll know you’re getting faster, and so will we!

Why is Max Velocity Important?

1. Separation is Everything:

Increasing your speed by just 1 mph can create an extra yard of space on the field. That yard could be the difference between making the catch or missing it, getting to the ball first or arriving too late. Imagine adding 3 mph – that’s a game-changer, giving you multiple yards of separation from your opponent in sports like football or soccer.

2. Speed Reserve:

When you have a higher max velocity, you can run at a fast pace without using your full capacity. You might only need 90% of your top speed to get to the ball, while someone slower has to push at 100%. That difference means you stay fresher, while others get fatigued.

3. Injury Prevention:

• Better Mechanics: Training max velocity helps correct common flaws like overstriding or excessive backside mechanics, which put the hamstring in a lengthened position at ground contact—a common flaw for team sport athletes. That’s when hamstring pulls happen.

At Wilmington Strength, we teach athletes how to run properly at top speed, reducing these risks.

• Preparedness: When you’ve trained at top speed in the off-season, your body recognizes that demand during games. You’re less likely to get injured because you’ve already been there, done that.

4. Bleed-Down Effect:

Even if your sport doesn’t require hitting max velocity often, training it brings huge benefits. It boosts acceleration, power, and explosiveness. A fast athlete will always have better jump ability. It’s all connected – speed training helps you be more explosive, no matter the sport.

Show me a super fast athlete who can’t jump – you won’t find one!

Ready to see how much faster your athlete can really get?

Come in for a free performance assessment at Wilmington Strength.

We’ll test their top speed, show them how they stack up, and build a plan to help them hit new PRs every month.

To your success,

Coach Matt & the Wilmington Strength Team

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