Why a Tenth of a Second Matters: The Hidden Edge in Football Speed

Jay Glaspy
Apr 30
3 min read

A wide receiver running a route against a defensive back during a game. Speed Coach Haymarket Gainesville South Riding Aldie — Separation starts at the line—every tenth of a second matters when a receiver creates space against tight coverage.

How Tiny Differences in 40 Times Create Big Separation on the Field

The Gap That Changes the Game

In youth and high school football, parents and coaches often hear 40-yard dash times thrown around like stats on a trading card. But what does a 4.80 vs. 4.70 really mean?

To the average eye, it’s just a tenth of a second. But on the field, that tenth is a yard of separation, a touchdown, or a game-changing tackle.

At Command Football Academy, we coach in Haymarket, Gainesville, South Riding, and Aldie Virginia areas with the understanding that speed is not just a stat—it’s a separator.

Speed in Football Is About Space and Time

In football, space is opportunity. Time is the difference between open and covered, blocked and beaten, or chased down and gone.

A 0.10-second advantage in a 40-yard dash translates to approximately one full yard of separation at top speed.

Here’s what that looks like on the field:

A WR with a 0.10 faster 40 time creates just enough cushion for the QB to deliver the ball.
A DB closes that extra yard faster to break up a pass or make a tackle.
A RB hits the edge before a linebacker can scrape over.

That small edge? It’s everything.

Coaches: Why the Tenth Matters in Player Development

We understand that small improvements in sprint mechanics compound over time.

In our work, we focus on:

✅ First-step explosiveness (0–10 yards)

✅ Acceleration phase (10–30 yards)

✅ Max velocity control (30–40 yards)

Improving an athlete’s 40 time isn’t about shaving milliseconds for fun—it’s about developing the physical tools that lead to on-field execution.

Real-World Example:

Player A: 4.80 40
Player B: 4.70 40

In a go route, Player B is already a yard ahead by the time the ball is thrown. That’s the difference between a catch and a pass break up.

Parents: Why Speed Training Is Worth the Investment

Speed isn’t just something your athlete “has”—it’s a trainable skill.

At CFA, we train athletes using structured, phase-based sprint progressions that develop:

Technique
Coordination
Strength-to-weight ratio
Acceleration control

When done correctly, we can help athletes improve their 40 time by 0.10–0.30 seconds over a training cycle—and that leads to:

✅ Better on-field performance

✅ More confidence

✅ More opportunity at the next level

Football speed coach Haymarket, Gainesville, Manassas, South Riding Virginia — Elite speed on the football field wins games.

Players: Your Speed Is Your Signature

Every player has something that defines them—make it speed. Speed is always respected. It shows up in every rep, every game, every tryout.

Whether you're a skill player trying to separate or a lineman needing to close space quickly, your tenth of a second is your advantage.

Final Thoughts: Football Is a Game of Inches—and Tenths

A tenth of a second might not sound like much, but in football?

It’s the difference between being average and being elite. It’s the separation that turns effort into execution.

About Us

Command Football Academy trains youth and high school athletes in Haymarket, Gainesville, South Riding, Aldie, and Manassas to be faster, more skilled, and smarter on the field. Through elite speed training, position-specific development, and game IQ coaching, we help players build explosiveness, precision, and football intelligence to outwork, outthink, and outperform the competition.