sand pit

I try to do all plyos and agilities in the sand. Whenever we are able to go outside, we are in the sand.

So you don't agree with the theory that the sand pit increases quickness. I am unsure of the results yet since this is only the first year that we have incorporated this.

I think the sand pit has some advantages in that it
1.) provides ankle and knee stability by landing on a surface that gives and changes
2.) provides a cushioned landing for plyos
3.) can help identify flaws in mechanics by slowing down sprints
4.) teaches athlete to plant foot in lin ewith hip as opposed to overstriding (which is very hard to do in sand)
5.) provides variety

However I dont think it should be used everyday, in moderation and in conjuction with the rest of your speed development

annihil8tor,

Your point about plyos in the sand is well taken. I obviously erred on the side of over use when dealing with the pit. I am going to continue to use the pit, especially for team building exercises and mental toughness work, however I am going to scale it back. I appreciate the input.

we like our sand pit and wish it was bigger to do more stuff. i haven't talked to anyone in our area that doesn't like it. we do our small box plyo's in the sand and used to do our speed drills and 10 yard sprints in there. we only do plyo's two days per week and the other day is doing our big box jumps on regular ground.
we feel that by doing the small jumps in the sand it forces the muscles to work harder to move the body that other wise would have used solid ground to help it jump. since the sand gives, the muscle has to kick in a little more to move the body over the box.. even the old timers in our area tell us that they used to take the boys to someplace that had river sand in it and make'm run in it. said it made them faster. i would if i were you would be to only do it once or twice per week.
just my two cents.

well, i guess we can just disagree about the sand pit. to each his own ;}