​Speed and agility are integral components in soccer performance. Soccer athletes need to be able to change speed (from walk/jog to a sprint) in a split second. They must possess the ability to rapidly decelerate, cut, change direction and re-accelerate.  They have to also demonstrate this speed, endurance, agility and athleticism better than their opponents while reading the field and developing plays. Having the agility to outrun, avoid a tackler or to better withstand a blow are added benefits to speed and agility training.