I just can t match the leg speed of the other skaters. I think I am pretty strong, but I don t know how to improve this area. There are a number of things you can do to improve both explosive power and leg speed. Since both are closely related, the specific methods for improving either ability are quite similar. In order to understand how these attributes can be developed, it is important to realize some of the facts about power and speed.
Explosive power is a product of muscular force and the velocity at which the muscles contract.
Therefore, to best improve levels of power, one must address the issue of muscular strength at contraction speeds similar to those achieved during a sprint while skating. Training adaptations are highly specific to the actual mode through which the muscles are training. Because of this, it is critical that power and speed training take place on skates, or using exercises that closely mirror actual skating technique. When it comes to enhancing leg speed, it must be pointed out that there are two major factors that come into play. The other is the integrity and tone of the neural input system which causes the fibres to contract.