Can You Make a Person Faster?

Yes. But it’s not magic—it’s mechanics, mindset, and a little muscle.

Everyone talks about natural talent. “You’re either born fast or you’re not,” right? Wrong. While genetics play a role, speed is a skill, and like any skill, it can be trained and improved. You just need a blueprint—and some patience.

Start With the Mechanics

Speed isn’t just about going fast—it’s about moving efficiently. Mechanics create efficiency, and efficiency creates speed. Before you chase personal records, you have to learn how to run.

Speed development starts with:

• Drills to improve sprint mechanics
• Movement patterns that build rhythm and coordination
• Explosive training to improve responsiveness

How Long Does It Take to Get Faster?

Real talk: This doesn’t happen overnight. A true speed program is a multi-week journey. We break it down like this:

• Weeks 1–2: Learn the drills, understand the technique, and master the rhythm of sprint mechanics.
• Weeks 3–4: Turn up the intensity. Train with intent. By now, your form is better—and that means you’re faster.

You won’t go from zero to pro in a month, but you will outrun your old self. Progress is progress.

Want to go deeper? Check out Designing a Good Speed Training Program for a breakdown of phases and drills.

What is Front-End Speed?

This is the part of speed most people forget—acceleration and maintaining it. Whether you're a sprinter flying through the first 30 meters or a wide receiver breaking away after a slant, front-end speed is your ability to get out fast and hold it.

Speed training should focus on:

• The start (first step explosiveness)
• Acceleration mechanics
• Holding top-end speed

Speed or Distance—Which Comes First?

It’s a trick question. Most athletes think they should focus on speed first, but conditioning lays the foundation. Why?

Because fatigue kills speed.

If you can’t finish strong, your speed doesn’t matter. Before you chase 40-yard dash times, make sure you’re in shape. Endurance unlocks speed that lasts. (That’s why even sprinters train with conditioning.)

Related: Improve an Athlete’s Performance explains how fitness and speed go hand in hand.

Does Running Increase Speed?

Kind of.

If you’re doing nothing, then running will help—some. But running generically (especially on a treadmill) only trains you for… running on a treadmill. Treadmills often limit your stride and natural knee lift. They’re tools, not solutions.

To get faster, you need speed-specific training:

• Ground-based sprint drills
• Sprint mechanics
• Reactive movement work

And yes, running at 95% of your max. That’s our rule—fast, but safe.

Tip: If you're stuck indoors, use our treadmill tips on YouTube: King Sports YouTube Channel

So How Do You Actually Increase Speed?

Here’s the hard truth: You can’t get fast fast.

But you can get faster every week if you train right.

• Get your mechanics down
• Improve your strength (but don’t bulk)
• Stay consistent
• Control the pace of training

It’s a process. But stay in it, and you’ll surprise yourself.

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