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What if speed isn’t genetic… and can actually be taught?
In this episode, we sit down with Dillon Martinez, author of Breaking The Speed Barrier, to discuss the science and coaching methods behind real speed development.
- Link to Dillon's book: https://amzn.to/3P4OPc8
We dive into why most coaches struggle to teach speed effectively, the biggest mistakes in traditional conditioning programs, and how elite coaches develop faster athletes through proper sprint mechanics, teaching progressions, and evidence-based training.
Topics include:
- The “7 UPs” of sprint mechanics
- The Three T’s of speed training
- Maximum velocity development
- Teaching acceleration and change of direction
- Multi-sport athlete programming
- Recovery and injury prevention
- Why speed is a skill — not just genetics
Dr. Martinez also shares insights from the largest research study ever conducted on speed coaching pedagogy and explains what separates great speed coaches from average ones.
If you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports performance enthusiast, this episode will completely change how you think about speed training.
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EP19: How to Develop Athletic Kids: Speed Training, Movement Skills & Multi-Sport Athletes with Jeremy Frisch
Listen guide
"EP18: Can You Teach Speed? Breaking the Biggest Myth in Sports with Dr. Dillon Martinez" is an episode of Feed the Cats Podcast. Runtime 1 hr 28 min. Published May 17, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.