Strength
training and for that matter all training is a means to an end – improved injury
free performance in the competitive arena. Because of the emphasis on this
area, I am going to focus on strength training. For over 40 years I have
searched for the answer to the question of how much strength is enough. I am convinced
now that there is no single answer. I now think of strength training as
coordination training with appropriate resistance and assistance that will put
us on the correct path to designing effective strength training programs that
complement the other physical qualities and transfer to the competitive arena. Appropriate
is a key word – Certainly appropriate for the event or position, definitely
appropriate for the individual, the time
of the year and the stage in a career. This is
the opposite of chasing numbers in the weight room on specified lifts, it much
more about quality of movement, rhythm, tempo and controlling their bodies, not
to mention more mindfully challenging to the athlete. We should NEVER lose
sight of the ultimate goal.
