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The sprint training parachute is one of the best pieces of training equipment to add to your training arsenal! Chutes can be found on the market made in various shapes (single cup, multiple cup, etc.) and of various materials (single lines, multiple line, etc.) but their goal is the same—-provide resistance and to make athletes explosive!

This resistance can be applied sprinting forward, backwards, shuffling, hopping forward—-the list is almost endless. Today I am going to list some speed parachute drills combined with the agility ladder to help improve your game speed.

Parachute/Ladder Combo

Set up an agility training ladder and place a cone about 20 yards from the end of the ladder.

With this configuration you can now perform the following drills:

• High Knee through the ladder with one foot per rung; at the end of the ladder burst into a 20 yard sprint towards the cone
• High Knee laterally through the ladder without crossing over your feet; at the end of the ladder without stopping, drop your hips and shuffle 20 yards
• Bunny hop with one foot through the ladder landing on your power pads (toes) and using your ankle to generate force; at the end of the ladder perform a 20 yard sprint to the cone
• Perform mini steps forward through the ladder, landing two feet inside every rung pumps your arms quickly; once you get to the end of the ladder, explode 20 yards

Tips:

1. Maintain proper form inside of the ladder
2. Do not pause between the ladder and the sprint/shuffle action
3. The entire drill, STAY on your power pads

Be innovative! Use various ladder drills combined with sprints to take your sprint training to the next level.

Daimond Dixon is owner and operator of Online Sports Performance Training, a sports performance training company that specializes in speed, agility and quickness training. You can reach him at his online performance center at www.OSPTraining.com or via email at PerformanceSport@Hotmail.com

Maximum Sports performance Training for competitive athletes

Sports Performance Training specializing in:

• Speed and Acceleration Training
• Explosiveness, Quickness & Agility Training
• Power and Strength Training

We use the latest training methods and tools such as agility ladders, bungee cords, platform training units, hurdles, plyo boxes, medicine balls and more!

Programs Offered:

• Nike SPARQ Testing Sports specific testing of an athletes overall speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness. Each athlete receives Official SPARQ Rating, online profile and Speed-Power Training Manual.
  Cost: $50 per athlete
• 1-on-1 Training Athlete works with Performance Coach for 8 (60 minute) training sessions in their very own customized performance training program. (Nike SPARQ Testing package included).
  Cost: $360 per athlete
• Small Group Training 4-6 athletes working with performance coach for 8 (60 minute) training sessions. (note: athletes set up their own group).
  Cost: $275 per athlete (minimum 4 athletes)
• Train on your own Customized Training Program This package includes a Customized Training Program built to the specifications of the athletes goals which they perform on their own. Athlete meets with Performance Trainer for a 60-minute training evaluation and is given a username and password where they can access their custom built program online that features illustrated drills and detailed training format.
  Cost: $99 per athlete