Speed development is often talked about in terms of drills, programs, and outputs. But in real coaching environments, especially at the high school level, the challenge is much more practical.
In this live roundtable, Chris Korfist, Eric Lichter, and JT Ayers share how they approach assisted sprinting and speed development in the real-world high school track and field setting. The conversation highlights not just what works, but how to think about applying it.
Getting Athletes to Run, Not Just Lift
One of the clearest themes from the discussion was a shift in priority. Speed development starts with sprinting.
While strength training plays a role, it doesn't automatically transfer to sprint performance. Athletes who can produce high force in the weight room still need to learn how to apply that force horizontally during sprinting.
As Korfist points out, once speed is quantified and visible, athletes begin to understand what actually matters. Timing, acceleration, and force application become real, not theoretical.
Assisted Sprinting as a Teaching Tool
Assisted sprinting is often viewed as an advanced method, but the coaches emphasized its value as a teaching tool, not just a performance tool.
Used correctly, assisted sprinting can:
-Improve coordination and stride frequency
-Reinforce front-side mechanics
-Help athletes feel correct positions
-Increase intent and competitiveness
In many cases, the goal is not to run as fast as possible, but to help the athlete experience better movement.
For less experienced athletes, this may mean lighter assistance and shorter distances. For more advanced athletes, it may include higher speeds and more aggressive overspeed work.
Who Should Use Assisted Sprinting?
A major part of the discussion centered on athlete readiness as not every athlete should be using assisted sprinting.
As Ayers explained, athletes often have to “earn” access to assisted sprinting. This creates a natural progression within the team and ensures that the tool is used safely and effectively.
In large team settings, this also becomes a practical necessity. With limited equipment, coaches must prioritize which athletes receive certain training modalities.
Managing Large Teams with Limited Resources
High school environments introduce constraints that are often overlooked in theory. Large rosters, limited equipment, and time restrictions all impact how training is applied.
Rather than trying to give every athlete the same experience, the coaches described a tiered approach:
-Some athletes use assisted sprinting
-Others continue with traditional sprint work
-Groups rotate based on readiness and need
This allows coaches to maintain structure while still individualizing where it matters. Even without direct access to the technology, athletes can still benefit from the same training principles through standard sprint work.
How Coaches Actually Use Assisted Sprinting
One of the most useful parts of the discussion was how differently assisted sprinting can be applied. Across the group, it was used in three primary ways:
1. Coordination and mechanics
Light assistance during drills and early sprint work to improve movement quality
2. Acceleration development
More aggressive pulls over shorter distances to reinforce stride frequency out of the blocks
3. Max velocity and peaking
Higher-speed exposures later in the season to prepare athletes for competition
Assisted sprinting is not a single method. It's a flexible tool that can be adapted based on timing, athlete level, and training goals.
Key Q&A Takeaways
How fast is too fast?
-One insight discussed was that most athletes can only tolerate about 1 mph above their max speed while maintaining good mechanics. Beyond that point, movement quality breaks down and the risk of injury increases
Should assisted sprinting be used year-round?
-The coaches shared different approaches. Some prefer introducing overspeed closer to competition, while others use it throughout the year in smaller doses. The common ground was consistency. Speed needs to be trained regularly, and assisted sprinting can be one way to support that
When should assisted sprinting be removed before competition?
-Interestingly, several coaches noted they do not remove it at all. If athletes are accustomed to assisted sprinting and it has been part of the training process, it can continue right up to competition. The key is managing volume and intensity appropriately
Conclusion
Speed development isn't about finding the perfect drill or method. It's about understanding how to apply principles in real environments with real athletes.
Assisted sprinting is one of many tools available, but its value depends on how it's used. When applied with clear intent, appropriate progression, and an understanding of the athlete, it can improve coordination, increase speed exposure, and support long-term development.
At the high school level especially, success comes down to balancing simplicity, structure, and individualization. The method matters, but how you use it matters more.
Published: March 25, 2026