Your speed

Your lower limb speed is measured by how frequently you can tap the instore floor-plate with your feet. The test requires rapid coordination of several muscles.

A high speed test result shows you are able to sprint well and conduct rapid movements. This kind of test is often used by talent scouts to assess the potential of promising young athletes.

Fast at sport

Speed is a fundamental ability whatever your chosen sport. You will always need to outrun your opponents, accelerate faster and change direction more quickly (when dribbling, for example). And whether your aim is to score a goal or shoot a hoop, it will always help if you are able to do it as fast as possible, so as to minimize interaction with your opponent.

Muscle fibres

Your speed is dependent on the composition of ‘fast twitch’ fibres in your muscles. This is something genetic in the first instance. However, training can improve the synchronisation of muscle fibres within your muscles as well as their coordination with your other muscle groups.

Speed and strength

If you score highly on the speed test, then you are also likely to score highly on the jump test. Speed and strength go together, to a certain extent.