CDS Speed Checklist
Why Is MyAthlete Slow?
Find out what may really be behind your athlete's lack of speed. This is a parent and athlete performance awareness guide.
Stop telling them to run harder. Start finding the real answer.
Speed is not just about trying harder. It depends on mechanics, force transfer, posture, rhythm and how well the body applies force into the ground.
What This Might Look Like
- Looks fast in drills but not in games
- Heavy foot contact when running
- Poor first step or slow start
- Cannot separate from other athletes
Where This Shows Up
- First-step quickness
- Sprinting
- Breakaways
- Defensive recovery
Common Mistake
- Doing more sprints without fixing mechanics or force application.
Check These 7 Areas
Tap each category to expand. Check every item that applies to your athlete.
Sprint Mechanics
Foot and Ankle Function
Hip Extension Power
Core Stability and Force Transfer
Arm Action
Elasticity and Reactivity
Fatigue and Training Balance
Pay Closer Attention If...
- Speed is not improving over time
- They look fatigued quickly when sprinting
- Coordination breaks down at higher speeds
- They avoid sprinting or max effort
Watch the first three steps. Does your athlete push forward or pop straight up? Popping up usually points to poor force direction.
"Speed issues are often movement and force-transfer issues before they are effort issues. Before telling an athlete to run harder, check: Mechanics, Foot and ankle function, Hip power, Core stability, Arm action, Elasticity and Training freshness. At CDS, we do not just demand speed. We build the system that creates it."
Ready to Find the Real Answer?
This checklist is just the starting point. The Root Cause Bundle gives you all 5 most common athlete performance issues — 5 checklists — so you can identify patterns before they become problems.
- Hamstring Tightness Checklist Free
- Why Is My Athlete Slow? Checklist
- Knee Pain Root Cause Checklist
- Why Does My Athlete Lack Explosiveness? Checklist
- Poor Cutting & Change of Direction Checklist
5 checklists
This checklist is for education and awareness. It is not a medical diagnosis or treatment plan.
Coach Tim Buckley, Performance Specialist