A common question I hear all the time is, "Can I gain speed faster if I train every single day?" It’s a great question because it’s natural to think more practice means faster results, right? But when it comes to speed training, particularly increasing your clubhead speed, more isn’t always better.
Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to speed training, the focus isn’t just on how much you train, but how you train. We typically recommend training three days a week to see improvements in clubhead speed. So, why not train every day? The key here lies in understanding how your nervous system works.
Unlike muscle training, where overexertion leads to soreness, your nervous system doesn’t give you the same signals. But it still needs recovery time. When you do strength exercises like deadlifts, it’s obvious your muscles need a break because you can feel the soreness the next day. However, when it comes to speed training, it’s not as easy to feel that fatigue, but it’s just as real.
The Role of the Nervous System
Every time you train for speed, you’re asking your nervous system to respond quickly and efficiently. Think of it like this: the goal during each session is to be as fresh and fast as possible to hit your maximum potential. Training every day without rest could actually limit your progress, because your nervous system isn’t getting the recovery time it needs.
If you’re fatigued, even if you don’t feel it in the same way as muscle soreness, your nervous system isn’t performing at its best. This can prevent you from reaching those high speeds you’re working towards.
Why Recovery Matters
So, what happens when you train without enough recovery time? Well, you might find that your results plateau or even drop off. Even worse, overtraining can lead to injury, which will set you back even further.
We always recommend giving your body at least one day of rest between speed training sessions. A great schedule to follow is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It gives you time to recover properly while still putting in the work. The goal is to avoid falling into the trap of thinking more training will get you faster results.
Whether you’re in great shape or just starting out, your nervous system needs time to recover just like your muscles do.
The Bottom Line
While the idea of training for clubhead speed every day might seem tempting, it’s crucial to prioritize recovery. Focus on quality, not quantity. That’s what will help you hit your maximum speeds and see real progress. Think of it like this: by giving your body the time it needs to recover, you’re allowing your nervous system to perform at its best when it truly counts.
Train smart, rest smart, and watch your speed increase.
