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Strength training for speed does not mean doing countless sets of leg presses or leg extensions. You aren't running while sitting down, are you? Explosive exercises like the Olympic lift variations (hang cleans and snatches, push jerks) and a progressive plyometric (or as some incorrectly say pylometric) program train the nervous system to activate muscles quicker when needed. Olympic weightlifters have incredible vertical jumps and 10 yard sprint times as a result of these lifts. Single leg exercises are very important to develop balance, correct left-right differences, and because running is essentially performed with one leg on the ground at a time. Hamstrings and glutes function to extend the hip in sprinting, and should be trained that way to not only get faster but also to reduce strains and pulls.
Machine leg curls flex the knee, not extend the hip, and have little value to athletes. Core exercises provide stabilization that is needed for an efficient transfer of energy through the body. Even traditional exercises like bench presses and chin-ups help assist the powerful piston-like action of the arms in sprinting. The athlete who does the most chin-ups is nearly always the fastest in a group due to the strength to bodyweight ratio needed to excel at this exercise.
The point is, several factors play a role in increasing speed and many different types of training programs can help. However, neglecting to get functionally stronger in the weight room is like trying to build a house with first building a sound foundation.
Have a qualified instructor, preferably one that is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or certified by the U.S. Weightlifting Federation, teach you or your young athlete the proper technique of functional strength training exercises. Not only will you become faster, you will greatly reduce your chances of getting injured in the weight room or in the game.
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