Each week we receive numerous similar questions from young players who are concerned about gaining weight and increasing their speed. This week we are going to look at both of theses areas starting with gaining weight today and then looking at increasing speed on Friday. For all players who have questions about either of these areas, this week is for you.

Getting Faster Working on Speed

Speed is also something that you can work on during the off-season. We have talked about going out for track and learning to run properly with good balance. Athletes in a track program consistently improve their times from the start of the season until the last track meet. They achieve this gain in speed by improving their conditioning, their flexibility, their start and their running technique including the proper positioning and movement of the upper body during the run. These are all things that carry over to the football field.

You may also have the benefit of participating in a good Plyometric training program. Under supervision this program would include standing long jumping with both feet and then one leg at a time. It could also include hopping up with both feet to a stationary platform about knee high or up steps. This program would also feature work on balance, standing and squatting on one leg at a time. Finally, there may be repetitive jumping, counting the number of jumps up and down, for a set amount of time.

You can include a good cross-country running program that includes running up and down hills. There are also running camps and programs that you can subscribe to that may increase your speed. All these activities are for the off-season.

Forty times are just times and do not measure how you will play the game. It is the speed you play the game and not your forty time that will determine the success you have out on the field. On every football team there are many slower players who are consistently the first player down the field on the kickoff coverage team because of their desire and heart and not their forty time.

Game speed also comes with knowing your assignments, moving the instant the ball is snapped and playing without any hesitation. Being smart and a student of the game will allow you to play quicker.

Once the season begins, focus on learning your techniques and how to play the game. Performance on the field is far more important than numbers about height, weight and forty speed.

I hope each of you has a fun-filled season,

Coach Tom Bass.

For more answers to your questions concerning getting bigger please check my previous column on Getting Bigger Gaining Strength.

Thanks, Coach Bass.

To submit your question to Coach Bass, send an email to "Ask Coach Bass."

"Play Football The NFL Way" is the first Instructional Manual for Football Players and Coaches ever published by the NFL. It is the ultimate position-by-position guide of techniques and drills for Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaners.

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