Speed

The term 'speed' is the time it takes to travel, turn or react over a certain distance.

Speed can be improved by performing parachute runs. Parachute runs were designed and created in order to improve and increase a runners speed. This is completed through resistance training. 

Parachute runs are able to be completed almost anywhere due to being able to carry a small, compact and easy-to-store parachute around which means it is efficient. 

They are usually used by sports teams during training times on fields, this is because it helps the athletes develop their running and energy to produce explosive bursts and power in running strides. The costs of the parachutes are low and they are also reusable. 

A sport that would benefit from using parachute runs in their training could be football. This is because of the quick short explosive bursts that certain positions require. For example - A defender wouldn't need to have a continuous level of energy as they are only needed when protecting the goal, which means when they have the opposition coming towards them they would need a quick explosive burst of energy to attack the ball and clear it from their half of the pitch to avoid any goals being scored. 

Parachute Runs
Parachute runs are performed by attaching an actual parachute to your body, after doing so, the runner would be expected to run for 20 metre's to allow the parachute to fill up with air. After running 20 metre's it is followed by a 20 metre jog, the air that is behind the runner will cause them to use more of their leg muscles in order to fight against the dragging force from the parachute. After performing the run and the jog, the runner then has to perform a 20 metre sprint. This interval would need to be repeated until the leg muscles tier. In order to increase the intensity of the exercise being completed, training could be held in winds or on bigger open fields. 

Advantages of Parachute Runs -

• It is easily carried around which means you can take it anywhere you go. They are usually stored in a small tote back so that they don't take up much space.  
• You are able to do it without a partner and still perform ultra-resistance and over speed training. 
• It able's an individual to improve their sprinting speed. 
• It improves the energy explosiveness and acceleration. 
• It can improve the stride length and the frequency in an athletes performance.
• It has a quick release strap which means it is easy to get on and off, and it also has an adjustable waistband which able's it to fit correctly and comfortably. 
• It is a high quality material which won't fray, this means that it will last a long time. 

Disadvantages of Parachute Runs - 

• You have to buy or order one. 
• People may use them incorrectly and not with the correct technique which could cause problems. 
• The weather conditions could have a massive effect on when you can use the parachute.