Speed Summit 2014

The weekend of January 18-19, 2014 were two (2) action packed and intensive days at "The Running Summit: The Premier Speed Coaching Clinic of 2014" held in Morristown, New Jersey, USA.

The event featured legendary and world-renowned Olympic and USA track & field speakers such as, Coach Vern Gambetta, Coach Gary Winckler, and Dr. Peter Weyand. The emcee of the event was Coach Dave Pavlansky.

Topics covered included, but not limited to, acceleration, sprinting, maximum velocity, and speed endurance which are skills which can be properly taught. In addition, the outstanding speakers highlighted how to teach the various speed skills and drills as well as the effective methodology and approach of coaching athletes at various levels of competition (youth, high school, college, open, elite, masters, etc.). Special emphasis was made on practical, realistic, "mindful" and "common-sense" skills and drills.

Specific details and insights were provided regarding strength training, fitness, stride frequency/length, force application, ground reaction forces, biomechanics, bio-kinesiology, important muscle/tendon/ligament groups, energy mechanisms, training tips and related areas.

Coach Dave Pavlansky

There was extensive discussion on Newton’s laws of motion, gravity as well as Hooke’s law with detailed reference to force application, stiffness, ground reaction forces (impulse and impact forces), forward momentum, and linear velocity.

The speakers provided both qualitative and quantitative information on the various topics presented with ample graphs, videos, pictures, charts, tables, and handouts for the attendees. In addition, demonstrations were provided with respect to proper running technique and running form during acceleration, sprinting, maximum velocity and speed endurance phases. There was extensive discussion of GAIT analysis as well as different key aspects of stance, recovery, toe-off, flight phases of the GAIT cycle.

Coach Gambetta presented; “History of Sprint Training”, “How to Train for the 400 Meters”, and “Foundation of Coaching Pedagogy”.

Coach Vern Gambetta

Coach Winckler presented; “Training Design…Do’s and Don’t’s”, “Elements of Speed Development”, and “Technical Training in the Hurdle Events”.

Dr. Weyand presented; “Maximum Velocity Sprint Mechanics and Performance” and “Mechanics and Fatigue during Long Sprints”.

All of the above presentations were excellent, informative and very interactive with the various attendees that included many track & field coaches and athletes. Ample Question & Answer (Q&A) period was allocated at the end of each presentation which enabled direct interaction between the speakers and the audience. As an added value to the event, the attendees, for extra cost, were allowed to have both lunch and/or dinner with the various speakers. This allowed additional small group interaction beyond the normal presentation schedule for informal Q&A with the speakers.

With Coach Andrew Grant

With Coach Dave Pavlansky & Attendee