Interview with Jim Kielbaso

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Jim Kielbaso.

Coach Kielbaso earned his Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from Michigan State University, He then headed to Ann Arbor to get a Masters Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan. While in school, Jim worked as an intern in the Strength & Conditioning Program in U-M’s Athletic Department. During that time, he also served as the Strength & Conditioning Coach at Holt High School and worked as a personal trainer at the Michigan Athletic Club in East Lansing.

My reason  for wanting to interview Jim were two-fold. One to pick his brain for new ideas and training methods regarding strength and conditioning. The second and most important reason was to ask him about his new speed development program. I few years ago I read a great book authored by Jim entitled Speed and Agility Revolution and found it to be full of great techniques, ideas and  common sense training methodology.  I didn’t know Jim Kielbaso back then but what I did know was whoever wrote this book had taught me some new things and the book  in general was well written and just made a lot of sense.

Lets fast forward a few years. I heard Jim was working on a speed development program and if his previous work was any indication of what was some to come, I knew I wanted it. Once I received the program I wanted to speak with Jim and ask him a few questions concerning his new speed development program.

Here are a few of the questions I asked Jim.

1. What differentiates your program from the endless numbers of programs available?

Jim Kielbaso:  You’re right, there are a lot of programs out there.  I’ve seen just about everything available, and I can assure you that Ultimate Speed Development is very different.  The main reason I created this in the first place was because I didn’t see anything available that included what I thought was important to speed development.

Rather than focusing on WHAT do to, Ultimate Speed Development focuses on HOW to do things.  Of course, it also explains what to do, but I’d much rather get an athlete to do things properly than just go through drills for the sake of going through drills.  To my knowledge, my book Speed & Agility Revolution was the first book to break down speed and agility mechanics into easy-to-understand terms.  The book is included in my program, and the rest of USD focuses on proper execution as well.  Each of the videos included in the program breaks down different aspects of speed training – linear, agility, combine testing – so the user actually learns HOW to move.  How to place your feet and move your body are covered in great detail so that anyone can learn how to use effective mechanics.  The program isn’t about creating robots, but there are optimal and proven ways to perform certain movements.  As one of the testimonials I’ve gotten said, this system breaks down what great athletes already do well and teaches the rest of us how to move that way.

It’s a very comprehensive program that includes the book, four videos and a detailed 6-week training program.  I don’t think there is another product on the market that includes everything I put into Ultimate Speed Development.  And, it’s very reasonably priced so that anyone can afford to get great training.  The idea is not to make a bunch of money – I just want to see more athletes get quality training that will actually make a different in their athleticism.

2. How will this program benefit me or my child (athlete)?

JK:  As long as you (or your child) puts effort into this program and follows the instruction on proper execution, by the end of the program you will:

• Run faster
• Change direction quicker
• Accelerate with more power                                                                                                                                     
• Jump higher
• Last longer
• Be more resistant to injury
• Be in incredible shape for just about any sport

I developed these training concepts by working with thousands of athletes through the years, so I know they work.  It’s important to me to know that my training is actually producing results, so I pre- and post-test just about every athlete I work with in an effort to accurately document progress.  I include a pre- and post-test in USD because I want you to see the results.  I don’t think any other program would have you actually document your progress because they probably aren’t sure it’s going to work.

3. When should I start your program? Off-season, In-season, or even during the season?

JK:  Ultimate Speed Development should mainly be used as a pre- or off-season program.  You could certainly implement some of it in-season, but it shouldn’t be used above and beyond what you’re already doing with your team.  A coach may choose to implement some of the workouts – and certainly many of the training concepts – during a season, but you’ll get the best results when you have more time and energy to devote to training.

Because it’s a 6-week training program, USD is the perfect pre-season training program for most sports.  For example, you (a coach, athlete or parent) could run the program over the summer to prepare for a football, volleyball or soccer season.  If you’re preparing for spring lacrosse, tennis, soccer, baseball, softball or track, you would use it during the winter. You get the idea.

4. How will your information make me a “better: more informed coach?             

JK:  Based on the feedback I’ve gotten from many coaches, the information in USD basically shows you exactly how to teach all of your athletes proper mechanics and implement the program with ease.  The key to making changes in an athlete’s speed and agility is to start out by teaching them good mechanics and movement patterns.  USD breaks these movements down into easy-to-understand terms so a coach knows exactly how to explain everything and what to look for when things aren’t working perfectly.

Most coaches want faster athletes.  Most coaches also want to have top-notch programs and knowledge to deliver to their teams.  This information in USD will give you the knowledge you need to practically implement great programs with whoever you’re working with.

If you have been reading my blogs over the years you know I review products. Things I’m interested in and hopefully the reader is interested in too.  You also know if the product is good I rate it high, if it just doesn’t measure up I give it a low rating.  I honestly believe Jim Kielbaso has developed the most comprehensive , user friendly speed development program that I know of.  I got the program I liked it. I went back reviewed the DVDs along with the written material  again and I liked even more.

If you are a speed coach or strength coach this program will make you a better teacher and improve your ability to transfer knowledge to the athlete in a way they can understand. If you are a parent with an athlete in the family, get this program and you will be able to effectively coach your son or daughter to be faster, more athletic and less injury prone. I have been in the strength and conditioning business in one capacity or another for over 19 years and I learn something new each time I go back and review Jim’s speed development program.

I was amazed at the amount of stuff you get for the price!

Coach Jim Kielbaso wants to make this program available to more coaches and athletes. Jim Has lowered the price from 77.00 to 39.00 dollars. If you want to order Ultimate Speed Development or just have questions about the program: contact Jim at  http://www.UltimateSpeedDevelopment.com.

I guarantee you won’t be disappointed !