THE SPEED AGILITY SET
This Speed Agility Set (pictured above £49.99) is ridiculously good value for money for anyone interested in improving speed, agility, balance, footwork, sprint power, coordination, stamina, general alertness and quickness or just want to mix up their boring fitness routine.
Regardless of position, all of these attributes, if improved on by 5%, will contribute to a noticeably improved rugby player.
PURCHASE LINK
UK: Complete Speed Agility Set (£49.99)
Speed Agility Set Includes:
- 3 x 6″ hurdles
- 3 x 9″ hurdles
- 3 x 12″ Hurdles
- 20x Space Markers (10 Yellow + 10 Orange)
- 1 x speed resistor
- 1 x evasion belt
- 1 x speed chute
- 1 x reaction ball
- 1 x 4m ladders
- all in a convenient carry bag.
(underlined individual items purchasable on amazon)
Speed Agility kit set run through
Hurdles and Spacemarkers are always useful in circuits for bounding, hopping, changing of direction, quick displacement of bodyweight from Center of Mass.
A Speed Resistor is, as the name suggests, a means of resistance to slow for the runner down. By continually working the exact muscles associated with sprinting under resistance, they will strengthen to work more forcefully when the resistance is removed.
An Evasion belt, (covered in detail in our Reaction Speed Post) works as a connecting cord between two players. With numerous drills at their disposal, they all follow the principle of a cat and mouse. One player tries to move / evade / cut the cord (as it disconnects) in a confined space. The other player must stay vigilant to keep a close distance to the evader, using reaction time, footwork, agility and speed in order to ensure the cord remains in tact. Evasion belt work is highly sport-specific and a great agility trainer as it involved the use of a stimulus.
The Speed chute which works similarly to the speed resistor, is a means of applying a resistance in order so strengthen the muscles associated with sprinting so that when removed, make the player faster. The main difference between the chute and the resistor is that the resistor has more of a drive phase / acceleration focus whilst the chute is ideal for flight speed. They can be used in conjunction or individually.
The reaction ball is covered in great detail in it’s own post if interested. It’s basically an uneven bouncy ball which rebounds completely randomly, testing the reaction speed of the player to catch it.
Lastly, ladders are tremendously multipurpose. Some critics have rightfully said ladderwork alone will not improve agility as agility requires the use of a stimulus. However, as a developer for footwork, neurological speed and general quickness, ladderwork should feature for at least a few sets in any kind of Speed Agility training.
Each of the 10 items can be ordered individually (as per clicking on the underlined items in the numerated list at the top of the post) but for 50 pounds, is a true bargain! Some ladders / resistors / chutes alone can sell for up to 30 pounds alone.
PURCHASE LINK
UK: Complete Speed Agility Set (£49.99)
Book: SAQ Rugby: Speed Agility and Quickness for Rugby
Alan Pearson’s book on SAQ (speed agility quickness) training for rugby is a great complete package for anyone who either takes an interest or wants inspiration for relevant drills. Alternatively, a perfect gift for any player who gets excited about the evasive aspect of rugby.
PURCHASE LINKS
SPEED AGILITY SET: UK: Complete Speed Agility Set (£49.99)
SAQ Book: SAQ Rugby: Speed Agility and Quickness for Rugby
Rugby Review 