Derek M. Hansen - November / December 2025 

Introduction

At a time when the best defence against complexity seems to involve some sort of technological fix, I am constantly searching for simpler ways to solve problems.  It can be argued that compared to 30 years ago, life is much easier to navigate.  We do not need to know how to read paper maps prior to a vacation or develop a sense of direction.  We have GPS satellite navigation technology in our cars, phones, watches and smart glasses.  Most evaluations by your physician can involve a simple collection of blood and urine – and possibly a swipe of stool – to determine your health status without having to submit to a digital rectal exam or colonoscopy, as exuberant an experience those manual tests can be.  And, writing an article or email can be expedited and improved through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), even though your output may seem a little generic and sterile.

As I get older, digital solutions seem boring and p...

Derek M. Hansen - September 2024

As more and more coaches and organizations are placing an emphasis on movement speed as part of physical preparation, strategic planning and athlete recruitment, we are seeing a greater commitment to protocols and programs directed at profoundly improving acceleration and sprint abilities.  Speed development has become an industry in itself in the last decade with new ‘experts’ arriving on the scene every year.  However, in the pursuit of enhanced performances and an expanded industry, we often see the pendulum swing too far to one side, with prior conventional wisdom potentially left behind as new ‘innovations’ are introduced.  The hype around an approach or new exercise protocol often precedes and overwhelms the true path to high performance and sustainable results.

In the case of improving sprint acceleration and top speed, it appears the last 15 years has seen an overwhelming shift to resisted acceleration methods being used as a primary stimulus ...