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This week on The Inner Circle Podcast, one of the top speed coaches in the country joins the show for a fascinating look at what really goes into making elite athletes faster. Les Spellman has trained Olympians, first-round draft picks, and some of the most explosive prospects in football and in this episode he pulls back the curtain on the world of speed development, NFL Combine prep, and the tiny details that can change a player’s future.

Spellman shares his unique path into the profession, from a devastating high school injury that left him unable to walk, to becoming obsessed with movement, biomechanics, and the science of speed. That journey eventually led him from Division I track to working with Olympic teams and, later, some of the biggest names preparing for the NFL Draft.

The conversation explores how players train for the 40-yard dash, why technique matters so much, and how improvements of just a few fractions of a second can dramatically impact draft stock and earnings. There is also a deep dive into the purpose behind the Combine drills, the difference between playing fast and testing fast, and how top prospects are evaluated through a combination of film, measurables, and athletic testing.

Spellman explains how he builds individualized training plans for every athlete, using video analysis, GPS tracking, force data, and years of experience to identify flaws and maximize performance. He also discusses the challenge of keeping players healthy during an intense pre-draft window, the importance of timing and recovery, and how athletes are mentally prepared for one of the most high-pressure job interviews in sports.

It is an insightful and entertaining episode packed with behind-the-scenes stories from Combine season, expert analysis on speed and performance, and practical advice for athletes at every level. Whether you are a football fan, a parent, a coach, or just curious about what separates elite athletes from everyone else, this episode offers a rare inside look at the science and strategy behind speed.

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