Speed in a straight line is deadly, but with the right tactics it can be shut out. Defences drop deep to cut off the running lanes and sprint kings scuttle down dead ends.
Explosive power and speed that can be utilised in multiple directions, from a standing position and at full throttle, is a different proposition.
When space is tight, the ability to swiftly change direction, can work a yard of space to wiggle into.
A sudden change of direction at top speed can leave defenders tumbling into crumpled heap on the floor. Think Lionel Messi sitting Jerome Boateng down on his backside.
If you want to humiliate defenders with similar swagger you’ve come to the right place. We teamed up with elite conditioning coach, Jamie Reynolds, to give you the tools you need to be a Sunday League Messi.
The drill featured in this video will send you agility into overdrive. All you have to do is watch and learn.
Reynolds is the founder of Velocity Training Club. For more information visit velocitytrainingclub.co.uk and follow@jamie_velocity
For more football tips see:
Beat your man to the ball
Soup up your sprint speed
Be quicker off the mark
Get rapid-fire footwork
Be first to the through ball
Supercharge your engine
'I'm not at the point where I think it’s the wrong decision for Manchester United to appoint Ruben Amorim] because he’s come into a mess - but THIS decision is a big concern for me' Red Devils legend highlights major issue with Portuguese boss
Manchester City report: Pep Guardiola pleads for an additional £200m to secure double signing
