Power

Home | Speed | Agility and Lateral Quickness | Plyometrics | Flexibility

Since power and the qualities that make up power-speed and strength-are vital in all areas of sport, coaches and athletes are constantly looking for ways to improve them. The athlete should possess basic strength measures before beginning a comprehensive program designed to increase power development.

Athletes must be able to lift their own bodyweight for several repetitions with good form in a variety of exercises. Some basic resistance exercises include body weight movements like pull-ups, push-ups and an array of core exercises. Exercises such as squats, lunges and step-ups are also important. The concept of power has to do with developing large forces at high rates of speed. This can be very specific; but generally, one can divide power into two areas of movement.

The first is speed-strength where the importance is on speed of movement against a relatively small resistance, such as plyometric or ballistic training.

The second case is strength-speed where there is a quick application of force against a large resistance, such as Olympic lifting movements. As we consider the multi-joint Olympic movements, it becomes obvious that we must have precisely timed contraction and relaxation of opposing muscle groups to provide smooth, fluid movement and force application. This is why the Olympic lifts are so effective at building inter-muscular coordination. At Athletic Precision our staff can assist and consult you to increase your power through weigth training or sports specific power training.