Very few athletes train a single energy system, a single type of strength or a single type of endurance. The majority of events are a mixture along the continuum. Thus, most athletic training, even during a strength phase will include running. We know from specialists that distance running hurts lifting and lifting hurts distance running- [...]
Our previous posts on the sports science of tennis discussed the success and decline of top 10 players since the open era began. In part II, we discussed a hot topic among tennis coaches and sports scientists in general, the concept of early specialisation. In part III physical preparation for tennis, two themes run concurrently: the first theme is the annual [...]
Have you ever thought about how many sets and repetitions you should perform in a workout? What should your volume load be? Unfortunately there is not a lot of guidance in the literature, apart from the seminal paper by Plisk (2006). An interesting method of quantifying your volume load is presented by Bompa et al. [...]
How does a fitness coach develop specialized strength in their athletes? The seminal paper on the topic is by Plisk (2006). He refers to a three step continuum which targets both metabolic and neuromuscular aspects of strength training, as well as training force-velocity characteristics. The continuum in order of development is as follows: 1. Strength-endurance. [...]
The LTAD model proposed by Balyi & Hamilton (2004) outlines a framework for the development of motor-skills and physical skills which run parallel to a chronological age profile of an athlete. It is an ambitious project that attempts to explain the physiological development of a young athlete all the way to adulthood. It has been [...]
Few guidelines exist to inform the coach when a youth athlete is ready to transition from motor-skill training (e.g. co-ordination, agility, balance, reaction-time) to strength training (force-velocity training, strength and power). Naturally, both are important and desirable qualities in any athlete, but a time does arrive when the emphasis switches from one to the other. [...]
The effect of early specialization on long-term athlete development is evidenced on physical and psychological levels. Harre et al. (1982) compared the major differences in athletes who specialized early v those who had a multilateral development: Early Specialisation v Multilateral Development 1. Quick performance improvements v Slower performance improvements 2. Best performances aged 15-16 years [...]