According to Barrow and McGee, “Speed is the capacity of an individual to perform successive movement of the same pattern at a fast rate”. According to G. Schnable, “It is the performance prerequisite to do motor actions under given conditions in minimum of time”. 

Methods to develop Speed: 

• Acceleration runs – adopted to develop speed, especially in attaining maximum speed from stationary position, runs are repeated again and again with sufficient intervals, sprinters usually achieve their maximum speed in 6 seconds after stationary position.
• Pace runs or races – running the whole distance of race at a constant speed, athlete runs the race with uniform speed, in longer races such as 800m or above races he must conserve his energy by reducing his speed. 
• Development of reaction time – reaction time is the time taken to respond to a stimulus. It can be developed by giving practice of reacting repeatedly on a particular signal. The signal can be given through a whistle, sound, light, etc. 
• By increasing stride length. 
• By lifting the knees higher. 
• By developing strength of the legs.
• By developing co-ordination between arms and legs.