Fiba Europe Cup Basketball

Discover How Traore Footballer Transformed His Career With Incredible Speed Training

I still remember the first time I watched Adama Traore play—it was like witnessing pure lightning bottled in human form. The way he moved past defenders with what seemed like effortless bursts of speed left me absolutely mesmerized. But what many don’t realize is that Traore’s explosive pace isn’t just a natural gift; it’s the result of years of intentional, grueling speed training that completely reshaped his career. And honestly, I’ve always believed that raw talent only gets you so far—it’s the dedication behind the scenes that turns potential into greatness.

When Traore first broke into professional football, his speed was evident, but it wasn’t yet the weapon it is today. I recall analyzing his early matches and noticing how he’d sometimes lose possession in tight spaces because his acceleration lacked that final, razor-sharp edge. Back then, his top speed was recorded at around 34 km/h—impressive, but not yet elite. Fast forward to today, and we’re talking about a player who consistently hits speeds of 37–38 km/h, making him one of the fastest footballers in the world. This transformation didn’t happen by chance. From what I’ve gathered through my network in sports performance, Traore’s training regimen includes resisted sprint drills, plyometric exercises, and even track-style acceleration work. He reportedly spends at least 4–5 hours per week solely on speed and agility drills, often using parachutes and weighted sleds to build explosive power. I’ve always been a firm believer in sport-specific conditioning, and Traore’s progress is a textbook example of how targeted training can elevate a player’s game.

What strikes me most about Traore’s journey is his mindset. His head coach, Topex Robinson, once said, "From where he was and where he is now, he’s just reaping what he’s sowing. He’s bought in. He’s getting what he deserves." That statement resonates deeply with me because I’ve seen far too many athletes with incredible physical gifts who never fully commit to refining them. Traore, on the other hand, embraced the process wholeheartedly. I remember speaking with a fitness coach who worked with him during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he shared how Traore would often stay behind after team sessions to work on his starts and deceleration techniques. It’s that kind of obsession with detail that separates good players from game-changers.

Let’s talk about the specifics of his speed training, because this is where it gets really interesting. Traore’s routine isn’t just about running faster; it’s about building what I like to call "football-specific speed." That means training his body to accelerate rapidly over short distances—usually 10–20 meters—and maintaining that speed even under physical pressure from opponents. One of his signature drills, which I’ve tried to incorporate into my own coaching recommendations, involves alternating between maximal-effort sprints and quick-direction changes while dribbling a ball. It sounds simple, but the metabolic demand is enormous. Traore’s ability to repeat these high-intensity efforts match after match is a testament to his conditioning. According to performance data from last season, he completed an average of 12–15 sprints per game, with a recovery rate that was 18% higher than the league average for wingers. Now, if that doesn’t scream "next-level preparation," I don’t know what does.

But here’s the thing—speed alone isn’t enough. What makes Traore truly special is how he’s learned to integrate his physical attributes with technical and tactical intelligence. Early in his career, critics often labeled him as a one-dimensional player, but just look at him now. His decision-making in the final third, his timing when releasing crosses, and his ability to draw fouls in dangerous areas have all improved dramatically. I’ve noticed that his assists and key passes per 90 minutes have increased by roughly 40% over the past three seasons. That’s not just a coincidence; it’s the result of countless hours studying game footage and refining his end product. Personally, I think Traore’s evolution should serve as a blueprint for young wingers. It’s not enough to be fast; you need to know when and how to use that speed effectively.

Of course, none of this would matter if Traore hadn’t developed the mental resilience to match his physical prowess. Football can be a brutal sport, especially for players who rely heavily on their physicality. Injuries, loss of form, and tactical adjustments from opponents can easily derail a career. Yet Traore has managed to adapt and thrive. I admire how he’s diversified his game—adding more variety to his movement, improving his weak foot, and even dropping deeper to contribute defensively when needed. His coach’s words about "reaping what he’s sown" perfectly capture this relentless pursuit of growth. It’s a philosophy I’ve always advocated for: success isn’t just about what you’re born with; it’s about what you’re willing to build.

Looking at Traore’s impact on the pitch today, it’s clear that his speed training has been the cornerstone of his career transformation. Defenders are forced to give him extra space, which opens up opportunities for his teammates. His ability to cover ground quickly also makes him a nightmare in transition plays. Statistically, his team’s chance creation increases by nearly 25% when he’s on the field compared to when he’s not. Those numbers might not be perfect—data in football can be messy—but the trend is undeniable. Traore’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right training and mindset, players can rewrite their trajectories. And if you ask me, that’s what makes football so beautiful. It’s not just about the goals or the trophies; it’s about the journeys of individuals who refuse to settle for mediocrity. Traore’s incredible speed training didn’t just make him faster—it made him a complete footballer, and honestly, I can’t wait to see what he conquers next.

Fiba Eurocup Final
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Fiba Europe Cup Final
Leah Schnell ’01
Fiba Europe Cup Basketball
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Fiba Eurocup Final
Dr. Ralph Swearngin

 

Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.

The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.

“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”

Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.

Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.

Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.

Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame luncheon are available to purchase How Spotrac NBA Data Helps Teams Make Smart Salary Cap Decisions . To learn more about the Athletics Hall of Fame, please visit skyhawkathletics.com.