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A lot of coaches in high school and college level sports take an almost twisted pleasure out of enforcing suicide sprint drills. In these drills the players run back and forth from a line on one side of the practice field to the other. It is a longstanding tradition that does not look to wane any time soon.

Other than tradition, I think there are four basic reasons why coaches love suicide sprint drills.

First, it shows who has acceleration. It also illustrates an athlete's agility. Stopping and starting on the dime is the main thing they are looking for here. These drills have a good benefit as far as evaluation. And then from there later on the coach will be able to tell who is slacking.

Second, suicide sprint drills build strength and endurance. The runs build the muscles in the ankle area. These drills have the same as effect as any other on endurance, second only to long runs in that department.

Third, they are a method of testing devotion to the team. Suicide sprints are hard and generally equated with a mild form of torture. The players who take to them are probably going to be the best ones on your team.

Fourth, they are good punishment. Since no one really likes them, they provide a good addition to the arsenal of any "tough love" coach-that is, most of them. The key here is knowing when to apply the punishment. If you get too liberal with its application players will lose faith in your approach. You need to reserve it for tru "no effort" type performances. Following a lackadaisical game with something like this that requires effort no matter what will be a rude awakening. Program them like this often enough and they will learn to put the effort into the game and save themselves the time.

Suicide sprint drills are a vital part of most coaches' training programs. Coaches everywhere appreciate the many benefits to this type of training. And even though they are torture while running them, by the time it is all said and done, players do too.

Learn more about this author, Royce Radcliffe.
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