i’ve read a few posts on this site and also in a few other places where people have been questioning the legitimacy of seagrave and o’donnel’s ideas on training from their speed dynamics series. why is this? i thought these guys were supposed to be gurus of some sort.
All I can say is that I followed the drill and technique of Seagrave religiously…then I went to the Vancouver semina (of which there are video tapes you can but at the store here), and Charlie set me FREE! “Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty I’m free at last!”
what drills were the most offensive? why? what did charlie say that set you free? i’ve been using speed dynamics for my athletes, but i don’t want to be wasting my time.
fluke,
I will speak for myself and not for Charlie. Sprinting is about simplicity. The focus of the athlete should be on as little as possible. SD videos complicate things, as well as teach incorrect sprinting technique. With the SD videos, “clawing back” or “tearing back the track” is emphasised. If this is the focus of the athlete, the result will be reduced hip height, which results in increased ground time, which results in slow times.
The focus of the athlete should be “Down, down down.” Get the knees down.
One more thing to note in the SD vids is the emphasis on elbows back. This is just no good. The focus shousl be more like that of a drummer, banging down, down down, with the hands. The elbows will go back naturally. However, if they are forced back, this too changes hip mechanics to an undesireable position.
I hope this answers some of your questions. If you check the archives, you will find a plethora of information on Arm mechanics and hip height, as well as more on the SD video pitfalls.
One drill/ flogged equipment, that is not too practical that I have seen sported by the fellows is the cable used to force dorsiflexion of the foot when sprinting. Again, YOU CANNOT FORCE MECHANICS. This will naturally happen.
Clemson,
I totally agree with you. I think we all should learn from what is out there, these coaches are in the position they are in because they have each done something worth recognizing. My only concern is when the instructors use their reputation to sale a product that they themselves do not use. I understand that we all must make a living, (and God knows I dont know what I would do if given the situation), but situations like this overshadow the knowledge they do have.
dlive11, the picture of that new guy you’ve got there’s giving me the creeps :help:
wouldn’t a drill like fast leg, help on the athlete’s recovery phase also, not just “tearing back the track”. and the fast leg drill does help propel or drive the athlete forward creating a greater force against the track, is this wrong? i’m not really defending the drill, but i use it on my athletes and the last thing i want to do is create improper mechanics.
Sorry about that Neospeed. I did it in honor of Pioneer, I really think his new hair cut is fabulous! LOL
Fluke,
I do agree with you. There is nothing wrong with that drill. Just think of the positive effects it has on coordination! As Clemson posted earlier, we all need to make sure that we are open to various ideas out there. I think that the drills that have weathered the test of time are around for a reason. Also, some athletes (such as those with a young training age) need these drills to know what they are supposed to be feeling. The key is to know when to apply them. 
Dlive11, I like the pic you’ve got there now. Didn’t like the last one
Cool. There is an inside story behind the mullet. I will U2U it to you.
Dlive, whachuknow about mulleted head (McGyver) coaches? I believe you have some personal experience with the mullet style of coaching that you have had the misfortune of witnessing firsthand, is that correct? Is this also the the individual that Charlie dubbed, “the guy with the hair.” LOL. 
This is correct Pioneer. I am still recieving therapy for the psycho-trauma that I endured and continue to. The power of the mullet is strong!