I must disagree with the impression that what is published in Journals is correct or Gospel all the time.
Journal articles are studies, most often published by researchers, often younger than many of you (I wrote my first Journal Article at 23!), funded by in some cases interested parties.
I would only use them as another ‘source’ of information and take what they say with consideration, noting the title of the Journal too.
In fact I know of cases where data has been purposely faslified and ‘generated’ in order to complete studies on time.
On the other hand most anecdotal evidence is not much better. The person giving it is the key thing here … on some well known sites the article writers are not any older than the researchers producing Journal artilces (despite titles they may have)… so how they have experience I don’t know.
Then there is also the case where some very well known and therefore busy coaches don’t even write the articles and yet sign there name to them!
So all that said - the best combination IMO is anecdotal evidence from experienced coaches and quality research concluded with your own experimentation.
… and coming back on point here again … “3 Pages later and I still have seen no proof, research papers or otherwise, that full squats are bad for the knee joint.”
I’m not sure you’re referring to me - frankly like most here I don’t care if you stay or go - I want results through the best practice possible and if it is too difficult for you to provide something (evidence/example/research/all) other than your word … too bad.
heres my question, if you concede that there is a level of “generalness” to exercises, then (theoretically) wouldnt the use of bands to help strengthen the squat (in a manner that fits in and does not disrupt the speed work that must be done) be a positive thing for sprinters? why would more strength be bad?
another one, wouldnt it also depend on the level of the athlete, along with his/her strong points (ie a naturally strong athlete may not need to focus on starts or weights, using them in lower volumes relative to top speed drills and runs and visa versa)?
And just a comment, I dont believe I am being hostile at all, or demeaning, yet I am getting a touch of both from your posts that are responding to me. I would appreciate you putting into to practice what you are requesting of others, be open minded, read and think about responses rather than simply saying wrong, thats not whats in the journals so it cannot be right. Several top athletes use charlies methods (trevor grahams camp, john smith, two pretty reputable names i believe), so there is valid empiracal evidence as to my side of the argument (training for speed, articles and posts from coach francis).