Speed

 

skaters running a race

Speed is the motor skill that allows performing a movement in the shortest possible time. This skill depends on the genetic makeup, on the nervous system and muscular system functionality, as well as on the correct technical execution of the act and on the ability to concentrate. Each quick movement is characterized by three components:

  • the rate of reaction, that is the elapsed time between the presentation of a sensory stimulus and the subsequent behavioural response, for example the start in running races;
  • the rate of acceleration, which comes into play immediately after the rate of reaction and it is determined by mainly genetic factors;
  • the displacement velocity, which is given by the combination of the two previous types of speed, that is the time taken to travel a certain distance.
The speed is trainable only in part through the execution of precise and controlled movements. During these movements, the maximum effort duration should be 6.8 seconds and breaks should be frequent.

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