Movement Mastery: Lee Taft's Coaching Strategies for Speed, Agility, and Fundamental Skills

The Coach U Podcast

In this episode of the Coach U Podcast, movement specialist Lee Taft shares valuable insights on the connection between fundamental movements, speed development, and athletic performance. Taft's expertise extends beyond traditional speed coaching, as he emphasizes the crucial role of fundamental movement patterns in building a strong base for athletes.

Let's explore the key takeaways from the episode and how they can benefit coaches and athletes in their training approach.

Embracing Mistakes and Learning:

Taft stresses the importance of allowing athletes to learn from their mistakes, acknowledging that learning often starts with failure. He emphasizes that it's okay for athletes not to be perfect from the beginning and encourages a growth mindset that values trial and error as a part of the learning process.

Progressive Skill Development:

The discussion highlights the value of starting athletes at a manageable pace and gradually increasing the difficulty of skills. By providing detailed feedback and allowing self-reflection, coaches can help athletes better understand skill execution, promoting steady skill development and motor control.

Coaching Flexibility and Problem-Solving:

Taft emphasizes the need for coaches to adapt and encourage athletes to think critically and problem-solve independently. This approach aligns with the evolving nature of coaching and supports comprehensive skill development.

Sprinting Techniques and Training:

Taft provides insights into sprinting mechanics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining specific angles and coordination between arm and leg movements for better efficiency and power output. He also discusses the use of training tools such as wickets to improve running mechanics and prevent overstriding.
Mastering Fundamental Movements:

Taft stresses the importance of mastering fundamental movement patterns before moving on to advanced skills. This emphasis on foundational movements prepares athletes for specific movements in their sports and contributes to injury prevention and long-term athletic development.
Coaches and athletes can apply these principles to create a learning environment that values mistakes, prioritizes gradual skill development, and emphasizes the mastery of fundamental movement patterns. By integrating these concepts into their training, coaches and athletes can establish a strong foundation for athletic success and continuous improvement.

Lee Taft Website
Coach U Podcast YouTube