What are Breakaway Belts?

The Breakaway Belt is a simple detachable Velcro belt, which teaches an athlete reaction, explosive speed, change of direction, defensive maneuvers and cutting speed. It is easy to use and effective. Breakaway Belts are used primarily in "game" settings. It is our belief that an athlete learns better when he or she is having fun. The Breakaway Belt is fun for athletes of all ages. How do the Breakaway Belts Work? The Breakaway Belt consists of two waist belts, which are connected by a strap of "breakaway" Velcro. Each partner places the belt around their waist and connects the belt by hooking the fastening clips together. The "breakaway" Velcro is then connected between the two athletes. The Breakaway Belt teaches athletes to read the motions of their competitor, to step with them, and to change directions like a cat. Game-like settings provide fun and challenging drills to teach reading and reacting. The "escaping" partner simple tries to break the connecting Velcro belt, while the "pursuing" partner mimics their every move. Note that the Velcro connection between the two belts barely holds the two together. This allows for the belts to easily "break" when the athletes are working out. 1. Lateral Mirroring Two athletes stand face to face wearing the Breakaway Belts with the belts fastened at the waist. Cones or markers are set between 5 to 10 yards to the sides. One athlete is the "leader" and the other is the "follower." Keeping a low center of gravity, athletes slide side-to-side mirroring each other. The leader tries to move fast enough that the belts break, switching directions as quickly as possible. The follower tries to prevent the belts from breaking. This drill should last no longer than ten seconds. (Figures 1, 2, & 3)

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2. Mirror and Go This works best with about 15 yards distance. The drill is similar to mirroring, but after a few seconds of lateral mirroring, the leader turns and sprints to the side marker. The leader can also stop in the midst of the sprint and change directions. 3. Following With the Belt connected at the leader's back and the follower's stomach, the leader moves laterally and the follower moves with him or her. Both athletes begin by moving side to side for a few seconds. Suddenly, the leader sprints to a marker about 10 yards away and the follower must prevent the Belt from breaking. (This works best if the leader takes a couple of false steps forward so the follower does not know when he or she will break). A variation of the drill is for the follower to not let the leader break the belts by staying close through various gate drills (Figure 4, 5, 6, & 7), always contrast train without the belts. (Figure 8 & 9) There are a various number of arrangements that athletes can compete against in the following drill. (Figure 10, 11, 12, 13, & 14)

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4. Get-Ups With the belt connected at the leader's back and the followers stomach, both athletes should be sitting with their legs pointed at the marker 10 yards in front of them. The leader suddenly leaps to his feet and sprints 10 yards, while the follower does his best to keep up and not let the two belts separate. (Figure 15, 16, & 17)

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There are many variations to this drill. (Figure 18 & 19)

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5. Three-Point Stance Same as above drill, out from a 3-point stance. Leader sprints 10 yards. Follower attempts to stay with him without allowing the Belt to break. 6. Back Peddle (1 on 1 or 2 on 1) This drill requires two sets of Breakaway Belts. Two athletes stand shoulder to shoulder about 5 feet apart facing a cone 15 yards ahead, while a third athlete stands between them and the cone, with his back to the cone. The third athlete has on two belts, one connected to each of the other athletes. At a signal, both athletes begin to sprint past the third athlete towards the cone. The third athlete must backpedal (run backwards) towards the cone to prevent the Belts from breaking. Sports Specific Drills There are many sport specific drills involving 1-on-1's, passing, spacing, etc. that make the Break Away Belts a must have item. (Figure 20 & 21)

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