The Importance of Speed Training for Youth Athletes in Tigard, Oregon
Speed is a game-changer in youth sports. Whether your child plays soccer, basketball, football, baseball, or any other sport, their ability to accelerate, change direction quickly, and reach top-end speed can separate them from the competition. At APEX PWR, we specialize in youth speed training in Tigard, Oregon, helping young athletes run faster, move more explosively, and reduce injury risks through expert coaching and gamified drills.
Why Speed Training Matters for Young Athletes
Speed isn’t just about running fast—it’s about how efficiently an athlete moves, accelerates, and reacts in their sport. Our youth speed training programs at APEX PWR focus on:
- Sprint Mechanics: Proper form to maximize speed while reducing injury risk
- Acceleration Techniques: Explosive starts to gain an edge on opponents
- Agility & Change of Direction: Quick, controlled movements for better in-game performance
- Strength Development: Essential muscle activation for power and endurance
- Game-Speed Drills: Sport-specific exercises that translate directly to competition
Addressing Injury Risks with Proper Sprint Mechanics
One of the biggest risks youth athletes face is hamstring injuries, often caused by poor sprint mechanics, muscular imbalances, or inadequate mobility. At APEX PWR, we use advanced athlete testing to identify weaknesses before they lead to injury. Learn more in our blog: Recurring Hamstring Injuries: Understanding Prevention and Recovery.
How We Make Speed Training Fun: Gamified Drills
We understand that kids learn best when they’re engaged and having fun. That’s why we incorporate gamified drills into our speed training sessions. These interactive drills:
- Keep athletes motivated and competitive
- Improve reaction time and decision-making
- Translate directly to real-game speed
Check out some of our gamified drills & speed training in action with breakdowns from Coach Iris and Coach Yuji:
- Speed and reaction training – Outside of track, sports offer minimal opportunities to run straight without impedance. You may need to avoid a defender to score, juke an oncoming tackler, or react to the ball if you’re on defense. Either way, speed training needs to include more than just sprint mechanics so it can best translate to the sport you play! Watch this video from Coach Yuji to hear more.
- Agility and quickness drill – Athletes have a lot of structured practice, especially the older they get and the higher level they achieve in their sport. To break up the constant, serious nature of practice, games and training, Coach Iris shares how we implement speed and quickness drills that still provide value but make things FUN! Watch the video here to get more insights from Coach Iris about speed and agility training at APEX PWR in Tigard, Oregon.
Speed Training Options at APEX PWR
At APEX PWR, we offer multiple training formats to fit your athlete’s needs:
✅ Speed Training Classes – Group sessions focused on acceleration, sprint mechanics, and agility. ✅ One-on-One Training – Personalized coaching to maximize results. ✅ Team Training – Custom speed programs designed for entire teams.
See our full Speed Training Program for more details.
The Science Behind Our Training: Athlete Testing
How do we measure progress? Through athlete testing. Our performance assessments track:
- Sprint times
- Agility and reaction speeds
- Strength imbalances
- Mobility and flexibility limitations
We use this data to create customized training plans that ensure measurable improvement in speed and athletic performance. Learn more about our Athlete Testing process.
Give Your Child a Competitive Edge
Speed training is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your child’s athletic future. Whether they’re looking to improve their first-step quickness, breakaway speed, or injury resilience, our expert coaches at APEX PWR are here to help.
🚀 Give your child the tools to succeed! Contact us today to learn more or book a session: Contact APEX PWR.
FAQs
What age should my child start speed training?
We work with athletes ages 8 and up. The earlier they develop proper sprint mechanics, the better!
Does sprint training help prevent injuries?
Yes! Speed training improves mobility, strength, and running mechanics, reducing the risk of injuries like hamstring strains.
How often should my child train for speed?
For best results, we recommend 1-2 sessions per week, supplemented with strength and mobility work.
At APEX PWR, we’re committed to helping youth athletes in Tigard, Beaverton, and Portland reach their full potential. Join us for elite-level speed training and see the difference in your child’s game!
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