ollie
August 31, 2009, 6:08pm
50
There was a discussion here that took place years ago in which I went into great detail on this- though after searching I can’t find it…annoying.
As a result, I’m going to be brief:
The ESD characterizes the difference between maximal force as expressed via training exercises and the amount of force that is generated during the performance of, or some aspect of the, competition exercise itself.
The competition exercise in nearly all sport disciplines occurs at a much faster rate than anything performed in the weight room (powerlifting, weightlifting, strongman excepted).
Thus, the amount of strength that is developed via most weight room exercises is only useful up to a point- strictly in regards to any improvements one would hope to see in the competition exercise.
For this reason, especially regarding team sports/combat sports/acyclic disciplines/variable motor regime disciplines there is a limit to the benefits of improving maximal strength via certain exercises because it exceeds what can be effectively used during the execution of the competition exercise (ergo all forms of striking, throwing, penetrating, evading,and so on).
So what must be assessed is the F(t) characteristics of the competition exercise and those of any other training exercises that one would expect to directly transfer to the competition exercise.
As far as how this information is relevant to the training of my athletes, the weight room, minus a few exceptions, is used for general training; leaving the bulk of specialized training to field drills.
In this regard, similar to Charlie’s stance on weight work following speed work for a sprinter- the weight work in my program follows speed and specialized field drills for my skill players.
I revisited this one and had a thought…just as Charlie has spoken of the concept of speed reserve, can strength, in terms of explosive strength deficit, be looked at in a similar way?