Speed Drills: Run With More Power

One of the simplest ways to increase speed and run with more power is to lift your knees higher. The higher an athlete’s knee drive is, the greater potential they have for force to be applied into the ground. By applying force explosively into the ground, an athlete can increase their speed and acceleration.

The ability to lift the knees when running is controlled by the hip flexors, a group of muscles that act together to lift the femur, and the hamstrings. Strengthening these two muscles and teaching them to work together also increase speed by developing a powerful knee drive.