If you’re a sports trainer who loves speed work, you’ve probably thought, “I could run my own sessions and make this a real thing.” Then reality hits. Where do you train? What do you charge? What if a kid tweaks a hamstring? And how do you get parents to trust you when there are 10 other coaches on Instagram doing “speed” drills?
Here’s the good news: a speed training business is one of the easiest ways to start performance training with low gear costs and strong year-round demand. You can train football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and track athletes with the same setup. Let’s break it down like we’re talking after practice—simple, real numbers, and a plan you can use this week.
Background: What a Speed and Agility Training Business Really Is (and Isn’t)
Speed and agility training is not just “run fast and do ladder drills.” Real agility coaching is about teaching athletes how to start, stop, and change direction with control. It’s also about staying healthy.
A good speed program usually includes:
- Warm-up and movement prep (get joints ready, raise body temp)
- Sprint mechanics (how to accelerate and hold speed)
- Change of direction (decel, cut, re-accelerate)
- Power work (jumps, bounds, short explosive work)
- Strength basics (even if it’s bodyweight and bands)
- Cool down (breathing, light mobility)
Your business model is simple: you sell sessions (private or group), usually outdoors or in a rented space, and you help athletes perform better in their sport.
This fits perfectly if you’re:
- A personal trainer who wants a youth niche
- A former athlete who wants to coach part-time
- A strength and conditioning coach who wants to go independent
- A team coach who wants to add off-season income
One more important point: you’re working with minors. That means you need to take safety, rules, and trust seriously. Start here if you haven’t already: legal requirements for working with minors and whether you need a background check to coach youth sports.
Main Content 1: Build a “Simple but Legit” Performance Training Offer (with Session Structure)
Most coaches lose parents in the first 30 seconds because they can’t explain what they do. Your offer needs to be clear.
Pick your target athlete (don’t over-niche too early)
You can be multi-sport without being vague. A clean starting point is:
- Ages 10–14 (learning phase) OR 14–18 (performance phase)
- Focus: “speed + change of direction + injury-resistant legs”
You can still train everyone. You’re just choosing who your message speaks to.
A session template that works (60 minutes)
Here’s a simple structure you can repeat for every group. Parents love consistency.
1) Warm-up (10 minutes)
- Light jog or skip (2 minutes)
- Dynamic moves: high knees, A-skips, leg swings (4 minutes)
- Quick activation: mini band lateral walks, glute bridge (4 minutes)
2) Teach one speed skill (15 minutes) Pick ONE focus per session:
- Acceleration angle (first 10 yards)
- Arm action (elbows back, fast hands)
- Shin angle and “push” steps
Example: 6 x 10-yard starts, rest 60–90 seconds, coach 1 cue only.
3) Agility coaching block (15 minutes)
- Decel drill: sprint 10, stop in 3 steps (4 reps)
- Cut drill: 5-5 shuffle to sprint (4 reps)
- Reactive rep: coach points left/right (6 reps)
4) Power + strength (15 minutes) Keep it simple and safe:
- Jumps: 3 x 5 broad jumps
- Med ball (if you have it): 3 x 6 scoop toss
- Strength circuit (2 rounds):
- Split squat x 8 each
- Push-ups x 10
- Band row x 12
5) Cool down (5 minutes)
- Walk + breathing
- Quick stretch: calves, hip flexors
This is “real” performance training without needing a full gym.
Equipment: start cheap, upgrade later
You can start strong for $150–$400:
- Cones: $15–$30
- Agility ladder: $20–$40
- Mini hurdles: $40–$120
- Resistance bands: $20–$50
- Stopwatch + phone tripod: $20–$40
Optional upgrades:
- Timing gates: $1,500–$3,000 (nice, not required)
- Med balls: $25–$60 each
- Sled: $150–$300
Pro tip: parents don’t pay for fancy gear. They pay for results, safety, and a coach who leads.
Main Content 2: Pricing, Scaling, and the Math of a Speed Training Business
You’ll see a lot of random pricing online. Let’s use clean numbers.
Typical pricing ranges (that parents already accept)
For youth speed sessions in many U.S. markets:
- $40–$80 per session (group)
- $70–$120 per session (1-on-1)
- Packages often sell best (5, 10, or monthly)
If you’re unsure, use this guide: how much to charge for private training sessions and this one for group math: how to price group training vs private sessions.
The “4–8 athletes” sweet spot
Group speed training scales well because athletes rotate reps and rest naturally.
Example A: Small group
- 6 athletes
- $45 each
- 60 minutes
- Revenue = 6 x $45 = $270/hour
Example B: Bigger group
- 8 athletes
- $40 each
- Revenue = 8 x $40 = $320/hour
Now compare that to 1-on-1:
- 1 athlete at $85/hour = $85/hour
Private sessions can be great for skill work and higher-end clients. But group sessions are how most coaches hit real income without burning out.
Facility vs outdoor: real cost comparison
Outdoor is a natural fit for speed work. It also keeps costs low.
Outdoor park/field option
- Cost: often $0
- Downside: weather, field availability
Renting turf or a gym
- Common rate: $50–$150/hour
- If you charge $270/hour and pay $100 rental, you net $170/hour before taxes and other costs.
If you’re renting, protect yourself with the right coverage. Start with: liability insurance for sports coaches and a simple coaching waiver template.
Certifications: what actually helps you sell and coach better
Parents don’t always know cert names. But the right ones help you coach safer and market smarter.
- NSCA-CSCS is a strong signal if you want to be seen as a real strength and conditioning coach (especially for high school athletes). Learn more from the NSCA: https://www.nsca.com/certification/cscs/
- If you’re choosing between options, use: CSCS vs NSCA vs ACE compared and best personal trainer certifications.
Also, keep CPR/AED current. The American Red Cross is a solid standard: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr
Practical Examples: 3 Real Scenarios (with Numbers and What to Do Next)
Here are three common “coach situations” and how to build the business around your life.
Scenario 1: You’re a personal trainer adding youth speed sessions on weekends
You already have training skills. Now you need a youth-friendly system.
Plan:
- Run 2 group sessions on Saturday
- 6 athletes per session
- $45 per athlete
Math:
- Revenue per session: 6 x $45 = $270
- Two sessions: $540/week
- Over 12 weeks: $6,480
Costs (basic):
- Equipment starter kit: $250
- Insurance: often $25–$60/month depending on coverage and provider (get quotes)
- Simple booking tool: $0–$30/month
Next step: set up scheduling and payments so you’re not chasing Venmo. Use: how to set up a booking and scheduling system and how to collect payments beyond Venmo and cash.
Scenario 2: You coach a travel baseball team and want an off-season speed program
Baseball parents pay for speed because it shows up in steals, range, and arm health.
Plan:
- Offer an 8-week off-season speed + strength add-on
- 2 days/week
- Group size: 8 athletes
- Price: $299 per athlete for the 8 weeks
Math:
- Revenue: 8 x $299 = $2,392 for the cycle
- Sessions delivered: 16 total
- Revenue per session: $2,392 / 16 = $149.50/session
If you add a second group (another 8 athletes), you double it without doubling your admin work.
Key move: sell it as a package, not drop-ins. Packages improve attendance and cash flow. Use: how to create session packages that sell.
Scenario 3: You’re a part-time strength and conditioning coach trying to go full-time
You need volume and a schedule you can repeat.
Plan:
- 4 training days per week (Mon–Thu)
- 2 sessions per day (5pm + 6pm)
- 6 athletes per group
- $40 per athlete
Math:
- Per session: 6 x $40 = $240
- Per day: 2 x $240 = $480
- Per week: 4 x $480 = $1,920
- Per month (4 weeks): $7,680
Now subtract realistic expenses:
- Facility rental (if any): say $75/hour x 8 hours/week = $600/week
- Net before taxes: $1,920 - $600 = $1,320/week
That’s why outdoor options, school fields, and shared rentals matter early on.
Also plan for taxes. A lot of coaches get hit hard in April. Start with: the complete tax guide for private sports coaches.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions (That Cost Coaches Money)
-
Thinking ladder drills equal speed. Ladders are fine for rhythm. They don’t automatically make kids faster. You need sprint mechanics and strength basics too.
-
Running groups that are too big. Once you go past 8–10 athletes, coaching quality drops fast. Parents notice.
-
No policy for cancellations. You’ll lose money and get stressed. Use a simple policy from day one: private training cancellation policy template.
-
Skipping insurance and waivers. Even great coaches have accidents. Protect yourself and your business.
-
Marketing only to athletes, not parents. Parents pay. Speak to what they want: safety, confidence, results, and a coach they trust.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Speed Training Business in 14 Days
Use this as a quick launch plan.
Days 1–3: Set your offer and schedule
- Choose: ages 10–14 or 14–18
- Pick 2 training days and 2 time slots
- Write your promise in one line: “Speed + change of direction + strong legs.”
Days 4–6: Get the basics in place
- Buy starter gear ($150–$400)
- Get insurance quotes and choose coverage
Start here: general vs professional liability insurance - Create a waiver and intake form
Use: coaching waiver template
Days 7–10: Build your first program and pricing
- Write 8 sessions on a simple calendar (Session 1–8)
- Set pricing:
- Drop-in: $45
- 8-pack: $320 ($40/session)
- Cap groups at 8 athletes
Days 11–14: Fill the first group
- Post 3 short videos: warm-up, sprint start, decel drill
- Message 20 people you already know (parents, coaches, friends)
- Offer a “first session trial” for $20 or free (your choice)
- Collect payment before session starts
If you need help getting clients, stack these with: how to get your first 10 coaching clients and proven strategies to get more clients.
Key Takeaways / Bottom Line
A speed and agility training business works because it’s simple to start, low-cost, and needed year-round. Keep your sessions structured, coach the basics hard, and run small groups (4–8 athletes) so you can scale without losing quality. Charge in the $40–$80/session range, sell packages, and protect yourself with waivers and insurance. If you want extra credibility as a strength and conditioning coach, the NSCA-CSCS is a strong long-term play.
Build it like a real business, not a side hustle you “wing.” The coaches who win are the ones who stay consistent.