If someone is being forced to prioritize speed or skill, it’s probably best to simply remember that entry into the highest level of the sport is gate-kept by speed.
Hell, the Eagles just drafted a guy who has literally never played 🏈 before solely because of his size & speed.
Interesting conversation. I would have liked to hear all the competing opinions about this topic. My 2 cents. both arguments have merit.
My experience may be unique to most. My formula for success has been rather simple:
Find the 1 THING to prioritize above all others. The 1 thing to go all in on and NEVER sacrifice.
For me that was SPEED. In my relentless pursuit and obsession with running fast, EVERYTHING got better as a byproduct. For me it was the “tide that lifted all boats” (and did so very well)
I spent very little time working drills and spent 85% of my time learning this in the weight room - yet (my film proves) I became an elite mover on the field in all areas.. We prioritized training the Central Nervous System AND Force Absorption and Position above all.
Speed, whether physical or processing, is the great separator in all sports. ALL governed by the central nervous system… The goal of training should be to strengthen the SIGNAL between the brain/muscles to be more powerful and efficient.
However, it can also be true, that the best rarely operate at max speed in a game, but their efficiency of movement, body control and Instinct/IQ allow them to play the game faster than everyone else - Also a byproduct of a highly tuned CNS.
Most weight programs I see do not
understand how to do this and are just a collection of exercises.
For anyone other than professionals who have the time and resources, especially young athletes, there simply isn’t enough time to master it all.
So going all in on SPEED wins.