Here’s a little extract from an article by Jack reape that might help some people focus on what they really need to train to become a better athlete. Is it maximal strength or is it speed and explosive strength?
The article contains a simple test you can do.
“If you don’t know what your weaknesses are (c’mon…look with your mind’s eye right in front of the non-world record realization), you can ask a critical training partner, video yourself doing heavy training or meet lifts, or do a test, as suggested by the late, great Dr. Mel Siff.
Get in either a push-up or standing high jump position. On the first try, lower yourself quickly and then explode up. Measure how high your hands or feet come off the ground. On the second try, lower yourself and pause at least three seconds at the bottom and then spring up. Measure the height off the ground of your hand or feet again. If you can jump higher with the rebound (using the stretch reflex), you need more strength work. If you go higher from the pause, you need to work on your speed. “
It’s a very simple test and it can help you rebalance your training, prioritizing what you really need to train at the time. Some people just keep on doing the same and same thing over, and sadly their athletic performance do not match the strength gains, or all the plyometric stuff they are doing is simply not that effective because they need to get stronger first.
