Olympic Lifts

[James_Smith]

@fogelson

It is problematic to insinuate and even say that everyone can achieve the same or similar results (or get as close to their potential) through identical means.

Example, Charlie has explained numerous times that not everyone responds to the same training program in the sprints. Some do well with short-to-long, some with long-to-short. Some need numerous races, some don’t need many at all. To think this would apply to one aspect of training and not others (ie lifting) seems absurd and would be wrong empirically. I don’t think people should be married to any particular element because it’ll always bite you in the ass (lack of facilities, ability to teach an individual, etc.), but to dismiss a tool that could be valuable is equally bad. One of the most successful coaches in track and field (through a variety of events) has said his results are not as good when not using them. Hard to argue with that, not to say it is therefore required, but clearly it can have a place. Of course, people here are free to have better results ;). I’ll wait on that one.

I agree with the entirety of your post.

I think it’s important to note, however, that the particularities of one high level coach’s experience are, at best, only beneficial for the consideration of others; as all we can gather from that coach’s efforts are that what he/she did worked for their athletes.

Here we have Charlie’s, and others, viewpoints for our consideration.

While my statements often occupy the minority viewpoint I should note that my objective in sharing them on an open forum is simply to inspire the critical thinking of others.

So what’s interesting to note is the comparison of high level programs/coaches and in this regard, if we consider sprint/T&F programs, I’ll remind the group that various coaches/programs demonstrate continued success via widely varying strategic/methodological approaches- the only commonality between all of them is their sprinters sprint.

All other training elements, therefore, become debatable and in this regard we are justified in creating a hierarchy of what is necessary and what is not relative to the needs of the athlete.

What I contend is that, despite the claim of any coach, regardless of his her resume, is that no sprinter is dependent upon any singular training means other than sprinting.

My two fastest American footballers, whom I referenced, are excellent testimonials to the point I’m making.

Both very fast, incredible vertical and horizontal jumping ability and neither squat. To add to the variability, one belt squats and the other performs a single leg squat with the rear foot elevated. The one who belt squats perform dumbbell floor presses and the one who single leg squats performs bench presses.

The commonalities for these two, as well as the rest of my skill crew, is that everyone sprints, throws med balls explosively, and performs various jumps.

In regards to speed improvement only, I might very well be able to eliminate the throws and the jumps; however, I test my guys in throws and jumps so I keep those means in the program and ultimately, they will all be tested in the jumps on Pro Day or Combine so the throws are the only CNS intensive means that’s debatable in my program.