Speed is one of the critical elements in surviving a life threatening situation.  Running away from the threat faster than your adversary is critical if running is an option to avoid a conflict.  The same is true if you have to fight for your life.  Speed is critical for competition in a wide range of sports.  But when it comes to combat sports and self defense, what can we do to improve our speed?  This article will discuss drills that will improve our speed.
Action vs. Reaction
Action is always faster than reaction.  For the first person to throw a punch or a kick will always have the upper hand because they planned the attack ahead of time.  When reacting, there is a process of recognizing, processing, and responding to the action.  And it becomes much more difficult to respond quickly when the element of surprise is part of the equation.
Element of Surprise
When an attacker is about to prey on his victim, he uses the element of surprise to gain the upper hand.  It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.  The reason this works so well is that action is faster than reaction.  When a perpetrator comes up unbeknownst to the victim, it will take the victim more time to react after panic and fear set in.
For the sake of sparring, faking and/or setting up your opponent are good strategies to give the illusion of speed.
Drill #1 – Back Fist
Start by performing a back fist as fast as you can.  Do 100 repetitions per arm.
With a partner, have them hold up a pad, paper, or even their hands.  When you throw a back fist, your partner should try and make you miss.  Incorporate fakes and setups.
Drill #2 – Jab
Start by performing a jab as fast as you can.  Do 100 repetitions per arm.
With a partner, have them hold up a pad, paper, or even their hands.  When you throw a jab, your partner should try and make you miss.  Incorporate fakes and setups.
Drill #3 – Cross
Start by performing a cross as fast as you can.  Do 100 repetitions per arm.
With a partner, have them hold up a pad, paper, or even their hands.  When you throw a cross, your partner should try and make you miss.  Incorporate fakes and setups.
Conclusion
You can use the same methods when working on other boxing as well as kicking techniques as you know how to do. These drills will also help you when you spar others.