What is speed and how do we train it?

WHAT IS SPEED?
The topic of speed will feature significant overlap with the previous topic of strength, as the methods of classification and variables of interest are very similar. As with strength, speed can be defined in two different ways. "Isolated speed" is comparable to strength, and is the ability of the muscles and tendons around a joint to produce high rates of force development. Depending on the external loads acting on the joint, this may produce high speed joint movements (i.e. like the leg swing prior to kicking a ball), or may do the opposite and very rapidly slow down a joint (i.e. like the landing after a jump from height). Despite significant differences in the visually observable speed of the two previous examples, the same fundamental speed qualities are used for each movement. Conversely, "body speed" can be thought of as the ability of all muscle/tendon/joint combos to efficiently and effectively work together to produce large acceleration or deceleration forces on the whole athlete (i.e. sprinting, jumping, change of direction).

WHAT PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITIES INFLUENCE SPEED?
Similar again to strength, "body speed" is dependent on intramuscular coordination and intermuscular coordination, whereas "isolated speed" is dependent only on intramuscular coordination. Neural and muscular specific factors are relevant again to intramuscular coordination, however it is also important to discuss the importance of the muscular tendon in high speed movements. Given the anatomical proximity of the muscle and it's tendons, muscular and tendon factors relevant to speed will be considered together holistically as the combined "musculotendinous system".

Neural factors

Musculotendinous factors

HOW IS STRENGTH DEVELOPED?
Sticking with general principles for this section (more complex principles coming in week 8), there are several key training requirements to develop maximum strength.

INSERT VIDEO TALKING THROUGH FLOW CHART/HIERARCHY CHART OF PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITIES UNDERPINNING STRENGTH. CNS THINGS (RATE CODING, ...?), MUSCLE ARCHITECTURE, MUSCLE CROSS SECTIONAL AREA, INTRA MUSCULAR COORDINATION, INTER MUSCULAR COORDINATION