The Power of Execution

Power is a much needed physical attribute for athletes. It facilitates the ability to stay balanced and coordinated when performing complex maneuvers, and also enhances speed and quickness, under control, when executing explosive techniques.

 

Fortunately power can be trained and linked specifically to your chosen sport. Well designed strength and power training programs are widely used by athletes. However, the most successful programs incorporate a transfer of the “dry-land” strength and power developments to your sporting arena, ultimately providing sport-specific power improvements.

 

I can not provide every athlete with a individualized sport-specific power training program, because firstly I’ll required more then a brief article to achieve this, but also each athlete requires their own unique program designed to adjust to their life/schedule/factors etc… However, what I can do is provide you with some simple advice on how you can become more aware of developing power when executing techniques in your sport.

 

The execution of power requires an athlete to deliver a maximal amount of force, in a controlled fashion, in the shortest amount of time possible, when reacting to ever-changing stimuli in competition. In short, athletes need to be able to produce force quickly, and accurately, and maintaining body control. Powerful athletes are able to use the body as one complete unit to maximize its benefit. Most young and novice athletes fail when attempting to generate power because their body is fighting against itself. Let me explain.

 

A strong core region (abdominal and low back) is considered necessary to develop power. The core is commonly referred to as the transfer area, meaning that when used effectively the core region facilitates the transfer of power between the lower and upper body. Having a strong core is the first step but athletes also need to learn how and when to stabilize their core during their athletic movements. This of course requires practice and patience.

 

On improving your ability to use your body as a complete unit and stabilizing the core to ensure a sufficient power transfer, you also need to execute the power technique under control e.g. with perfect balance. The foundation of good balance is a good starting position. By simply staying in a “ready” position, slighting on the balls of your feet, centre of gravity spread equally between both feet, back straight, head up and knees slightly bent will increase the likelihood of a good starting position. The power is yours.

Craig Dalrymple

Training Tip Archives...