FanPost

Can you "teach" speed and agility?

In evaluating the 2011 NFL draft class, people often look at measurables like the 40 time along with the less-tangible criteria like footwork and agility. We have heard people say that you can't teach speed and "That quarterback has a good arm, but he is clumsy in the pocket." The question, then, is, can a player in his early 20's be coached to improve his speed and/or agility?

I hope this is appropriate for a FanPost. I think it is, because it focuses on a specific topic that relates to the draft, not the draft in general.

I believe that a player can be coached to be faster and more agile. Why would there be track practice if this were not true? The same goes for the various drills that are done regularly in sports to improve footwork, coordination, and agility. The key is how well the athlete is coached, and what they choose to do with the coaching (both during practice and during their own time).

See the sites below for additional information on the topic.

Acceleration Techniques

Agility Training

Plyometric Research: Agility

Two are from the same site, but I am not promoting the site by any means.

So, what can we gather from this? I think that The 49ers can look at some of the college players who have speed or agility issues, and, as long as their other qualities are good, instead of passing on them, the Niners could give them a good look and assess how "trainable" they are.

That could be how the team ends up with another Brady.


This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.