What do you think the results would be if an athlete used hills only for speed sessions? Since acceleration is a huge part of many sports, do you think there would be an advantage to this?
For how long? Since you would never reach top speed, surely some flat work would be important?
Is acceleration a function of top speed?
If hills were used as the only means for speed development. No flat work is given ever.
I’m sure top speed influences acceleration somewhat but, would improvements in start mechanics and speed strength from the hills be more of a factor in improving acceleration?
Certainly.
I’ve used alot of hill work for team sports.
I think, for some athletes, great (or the fastest) improvements in acceleration - the first few yards - can be gained in the gym - but hills are great for starting strength with younger athletes.
I used use standing starts with some hill work also - to try and teach the guys to get their feet out from under them, drive, and accelerate fast up the hill.
I felt it was good for team sports where they must start sprinting from a higher standing start position.
It was very demanding so I only used a few.