Description:
The purpose of the following study was first to identify an optimal warm-up to maximise countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and second to investigate whether a conditioning activity (CA) of half-squats could potentiate CMJ performance above that of the optimal warm-up. Sixteen resistance trained males were recruited for the study. Participants performed six different warm-up volumes over six sessions. Warm-ups consisted of submaximal running, dynamic stretching and practice CMJs. After the warmup, participants rested for four minutes before performing three CMJs on a force platform. The warm-up which resulted in the best CMJ relative peak power (RPP) was considered to be that individual’s optimal warm-up. Participants attended another testing session where they performed their optimum warm-up followed by a pre-CMJ test. Participants then performed a CA of four half-squats with a 5RM load followed by post-CMJ tests after fourand eight-minutes recovery. No CMJ variable displayed significant improvements at either four or eight minutes recovery after the CA when compared to the pre-test. However, when everyone’s optimum recovery period was considered, CMJ height significantly improved by 5.2% (p = 0.009) when compared with pre-CMJ performance. If the optimum recovery period is considered, a half-squat CA can further mprove CMJ height above that of a general warm-up alone
Description:
The purpose of the following study was first to identify an optimal warm-up to maximise countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and second to investigate whether a conditioning activity (CA) of half-squats could potentiate CMJ performance above that of the optimal warm-up. Sixteen resistance trained males were recruited for the study. Participants performed six different warm-up volumes over six sessions. Warm-ups consisted of submaximal running, dynamic stretching and practice CMJs. After the warmup, participants rested for four minutes before performing three CMJs on a force platform. The warm-up which resulted in the best CMJ relative peak power (RPP) was considered to be that individual’s optimal warm-up. Participants attended another testing session where they performed their optimum warm-up followed by a pre-CMJ test. Participants then performed a CA of four half-squats with a 5RM load followed by post-CMJ tests after fourand eight-minutes recovery. No CMJ variable displayed significant improvements at either four or eight minutes recovery after the CA when compared to the pre-test. However, when everyone’s optimum recovery period was considered, CMJ height significantly improved by 5.2% (p = 0.009) when compared with pre-CMJ performance. If the optimum recovery period is considered, a half-squat CA can further mprove CMJ height above that of a general warm-up alone
Description:
A speed program was developed for two male sixteen-year-old Australian Rules footballers who play state level competition. The program targeted acceleration, repeat sprint ability (RSA), and agility, and was performed two days per week on a natural grass oval. Examples of activities are provided for each speed quality. A key activity for acceleration was resisted sprinting involving towing a sled, which encouraged the desired body positions and technique. Repeat sprint ability was developed by prescribing activities containing short sprints with minimal recovery periods. Agility techniques were initially introduced, and then training activities included evasive changes of direction in an attacking role, and also defensive manoeuvres in one-on-one scenarios. A central principle in the creation of training activities was to contextualise them to Australian Rules football, with the intention of maximising transfer to on-field performance. This involved stressing maximum efforts with sound sprint technique under various imposed perturbations, such as the execution of football skills, pressure from an opponent, and fatigue.
Description:
Jumps occur frequently in basketball and can be executed from a single-leg take-off following a run-up or bilaterally from a standing start. Understanding the type of jumps performed in competition and how different muscular qualities influence their performance, informs training prescription. Firstly, to quantify the occurrence of different jump types performed in competition an analysis of 15 semi-professional basketball games was undertaken. Secondly, to understand the influence of muscular qualities on performance of different jump types, Semi-professional male basketball players (N=17) performed jump tests standing vertical jump, running vertical jumps with a double leg take-off (RVJ2) and a single leg take-off (RVJ1) and tests of lower-body speed-strength reactive strength index (RSI) from a drop jump, counter movement jump (CMJ) and squat jump. A stationary approach was employed for 69%, a running approach for 26% and a one-step approach for 5%. RVJ1 displayed non-significant (P=0.07) moderate correlation with jump height attained from the CMJ (r=0.439) and a very large (r =.806) significant (P<0.01) correlation with RSI. Most jumps were executed from a stationary start with a bilateral take-off while a run-up occurred prior to a substantial proportion of jumps. Jumps with a single-leg take-off from a run-up strongly correlate with RSI.
Description:
Jumps occur frequently in basketball and can be executed from a single-leg take-off following a run-up or bilaterally from a standing start. Understanding the type of jumps performed in competition and how different muscular qualities influence their performance, informs training prescription. Firstly, to quantify the occurrence of different jump types performed in competition an analysis of 15 semi-professional basketball games was undertaken. Secondly, to understand the influence of muscular qualities on performance of different jump types, Semi-professional male basketball players (N=17) performed jump tests standing vertical jump, running vertical jumps with a double leg take-off (RVJ2) and a single leg take-off (RVJ1) and tests of lower-body speed-strength reactive strength index (RSI) from a drop jump, counter movement jump (CMJ) and squat jump. A stationary approach was employed for 69%, a running approach for 26% and a one-step approach for 5%. RVJ1 displayed non-significant (P=0.07) moderate correlation with jump height attained from the CMJ (r=0.439) and a very large (r =.806) significant (P<0.01) correlation with RSI. Most jumps were executed from a stationary start with a bilateral take-off while a run-up occurred prior to a substantial proportion of jumps. Jumps with a single-leg take-off from a run-up strongly correlate with RSI.
Description:
The purpose of this research was to determine 1) the relationship between lower-body strength qualities and baserunning and 2) the relationship between lower-body strength qualities and the time discrepancy between baserunning and linear sprints of the same distance. Twenty-one male baseball players (age: 17 ± 1.11 years; height: 179.5 ± 6.73 cm; body mass: 82.48 ± 11.1 kg) from a State Baseball Academy were tested for peak force (PF) production in an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), peak power (PP) and jump height (HCMJ) in a countermovement jump (CMJ), and reactive strength index (RSI) from a drop jump (DJ). Additionally, they performed sprints from Homeplate to Second Base (54.8mBR) and over a 54.8m linear distance (54.8mLIN), with splits taken at 10m (10mBR, 10mLIN) and 27.4m (27.4mBR, 27.4mLIN). Relationships between all the collected variables plus the difference between 54.8mBR and 54.8mLIN (BRD), relative PF (RelPF) and relative PP (RelPP) were assessed by Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Only ten complete sets of data were collected (age: 16.9 ± 1.29 years; height: 180.2 ± 7.07 cm; body mass: 84.67 ± 12.1 kg). RelPF (r = -0.81, p
Description:
Feros, SA, Young, WB, and O'Brien, BJ. Efficacy of combined general, special, and specific resistance training on pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2596-2607, 2020-This study investigated the efficacy of combined "general," "special," and "specific" resistance training on pace bowling skill. Twelve male, club-standard pace bowlers were randomly allocated to a combined resistance training (CRT) program or traditional cricket training (TCT) program for 8 weeks. The CRT group (n = 6) trained with 300, 250-g, and standard cricket balls; performed 20-m sprints with +20% and +15% body mass resistance (but also unresisted); and completed chin-up and pull-up training. The TCT group (n = 6) trained with standard balls and performed unresisted 20-m sprints. No statistically significant GROUP × TIME interactions were identified. The CRT group demonstrated a "clear moderate" enhancement in peak ball release speed (mean ±95% confidence limits [CLs]: 1.2 ± 1.5 m·s, d = 0.66 ± 0.83), a "clear large" increase in mean radial error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.1 ± 6.5 cm, d = 0.94 ± 0.87), and a "clear large" rise in bivariate variable error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.2 ± 7.8 cm, d = 0.97 ± 1.05). The TCT group exhibited "unclear" changes across all pace bowling skill measures. Both groups displayed "unclear" changes in approach speed, 20-m sprint time, and 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength. In 8 weeks, the CRT program improved peak ball release speed, but at the cost of poorer bowling accuracy and consistency of bowling accuracy. These findings could be attributed to bowling with the heavier balls. The inclusion of "specific" resistance training does not seem to be effective in enhancing all-round pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers.
Description:
Training for muscle hypertrophy can be expected to induce some increase in total body mass, and this can have positive or negative consequences for athletic performance. Positive effects may be increased strength, increased resistance to being pushed aside, and greater momentum when running, whereas possible negative effects may be reduced capacity to accelerate, decelerate, change direction, and jump. These possible effects of gaining muscle and total body mass suggest that strength and conditioning coaches should give thoughtful consideration to the amount of hypertrophy training prescribed throughout an athletes's development and should be determined by the specific needs of the athlete.
Description:
TRAINING FOR MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY CAN BE EXPECTED TO INDUCE SOME INCREASE IN TOTAL BODY MASS, AND THIS CAN HAVE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES FOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE. POSITIVE EFFECTS MAY BE INCREASED STRENGTH, INCREASED RESISTANCE TO BEING PUSHED ASIDE, AND GREATER MOMENTUM WHEN RUNNING, WHEREAS POSSIBLE NEGATIVE EFFECTS MAY BE REDUCED CAPACITY TO ACCELERATE, DECELERATE, CHANGE DIRECTION, AND JUMP. THESE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF GAINING MUSCLE AND TOTAL BODY MASS SUGGEST THAT STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACHES SHOULD GIVE THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE AMOUNT OF HYPERTROPHY TRAINING PRESCRIBED THROUGHOUT AN ATHLETE'S DEVELOPMENT AND SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE ATHLETE.
Description:
Training for muscle hypertrophy can be expected to induce some increase in total body mass, and this can have positive or negative consequences for athletic performance. Positive effects may be increased strength, increased resistance to being pushed aside, and greater momentum when running, whereas possible negative effects may be reduced capacity to accelerate, decelerate, change direction, and jump. These possible effects of gaining muscle and total body mass suggest that strength and conditioning coaches should give thoughtful consideration to the amount of hypertrophy training prescribed throughout an athletes's development and should be determined by the specific needs of the athlete.
Description:
TRAINING FOR MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY CAN BE EXPECTED TO INDUCE SOME INCREASE IN TOTAL BODY MASS, AND THIS CAN HAVE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES FOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE. POSITIVE EFFECTS MAY BE INCREASED STRENGTH, INCREASED RESISTANCE TO BEING PUSHED ASIDE, AND GREATER MOMENTUM WHEN RUNNING, WHEREAS POSSIBLE NEGATIVE EFFECTS MAY BE REDUCED CAPACITY TO ACCELERATE, DECELERATE, CHANGE DIRECTION, AND JUMP. THESE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF GAINING MUSCLE AND TOTAL BODY MASS SUGGEST THAT STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACHES SHOULD GIVE THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE AMOUNT OF HYPERTROPHY TRAINING PRESCRIBED THROUGHOUT AN ATHLETE'S DEVELOPMENT AND SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE ATHLETE.
Description:
Although strength and conditioning of cricket pace bowlers has become more specialized in recent times, little is understood about the interplay between physical capacities, pace bowling kinematics, and pace bowling skill measures. This study sought to determine these interrelationships. Thirty-one male club-standard pace bowlers completed 3 test sessions on separate occasions 4-7 days apart. The first testing session comprised an 8-over pace bowling assessment, where bowling skill and selected bowling kinematics were measured. A physical test battery was completed over the remaining 2 sessions. Peak and mean ball release (BR) speed were related with 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength (r(s) = 0.56, p = 0.005) and correlated with 20-m sprint time (r(s) = -0.42, p = 0.022; r(s) = -0.37, p = 0.044, respectively). Mean radial error was associated with 10-m and 20-m sprint times (r(s) = 0.41, p = 0.030; r(s) = 0.38, p = 0.037, respectively), and correlated with height and peak power from 3 countermovement jumps (CMJs) (r(s) = -0.39, p = 0.036; r(s) = -0.41, p = 0.031, respectively), and mean peak power from 20 CMJs (r(s) = -0.45, p = 0.020). Bivariate variable error was correlated with front-leg extension angle at BR (r(s) = 0.41, p = 0.036), and also with approach speed (r(s) = -0.36, p = 0.050). These relationships may assist strength and conditioning coaches in designing more effective training programs to enhance bowling speed and accuracy. Training interventions are warranted, however, to validate these associations.
Description:
BACKGROUND. Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are among the most common injuries in field-based team sports with a high-speed running component. The implementation of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is a well-documented method of improving eccentric hamstring strength to mitigate the risk of HSI occurrence. Sprint training is specific to the injury mechanism and is thought to activate the hamstrings through maximal eccentric contractions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sprint training and the NHE on eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance. METHODS. Twenty-eight participants (mean +/- SD age=16.21 +/- 1.34 years; height=1.75m +/- 0.10m; body mass=68.5kg +/- 12.1kg) completed an eccentric hamstring strength assessment and 40m sprint to assess acceleration and maximum speed. Participants were randomly allocated to either a NHE training or sprint training group. Two sessions per week for four-weeks of training was performed with baseline testing procedures repeated in the week following the intervention. Perceptions of soreness were recorded following the warm-up in each training session. RESULTS. Both the NHE (effect size=0.39, P<0.05) and sprint training (effect size=0.29, P<0.05) groups displayed significant gains in eccentric hamstring strength. The NHE group reported trivial improvements in sprint performance, whilst the sprint training group experienced a moderate improvement, specifically in maximum speed (ES=0.83 Moderate). Sprint training also produced greater perceptions of soreness than the NHE following a four-week training intervention, specifically before the start of the last session (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS. These findings indicate that sprint training had a beneficial effect for both eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance, whilst also producing greater soreness than the NHE following the final training session. It was concluded that a four-week block of maximum speed training may have both an injury prevention and performance enhancement benefit.
Description:
BACKGROUND. Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are among the most common injuries in field-based team sports with a high-speed running component. The implementation of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is a well-documented method of improving eccentric hamstring strength to mitigate the risk of HSI occurrence. Sprint training is specific to the injury mechanism and is thought to activate the hamstrings through maximal eccentric contractions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sprint training and the NHE on eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance. METHODS. Twenty-eight participants (mean +/- SD age=16.21 +/- 1.34 years; height=1.75m +/- 0.10m; body mass=68.5kg +/- 12.1kg) completed an eccentric hamstring strength assessment and 40m sprint to assess acceleration and maximum speed. Participants were randomly allocated to either a NHE training or sprint training group. Two sessions per week for four-weeks of training was performed with baseline testing procedures repeated in the week following the intervention. Perceptions of soreness were recorded following the warm-up in each training session. RESULTS. Both the NHE (effect size=0.39, P<0.05) and sprint training (effect size=0.29, P<0.05) groups displayed significant gains in eccentric hamstring strength. The NHE group reported trivial improvements in sprint performance, whilst the sprint training group experienced a moderate improvement, specifically in maximum speed (ES=0.83 Moderate). Sprint training also produced greater perceptions of soreness than the NHE following a four-week training intervention, specifically before the start of the last session (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS. These findings indicate that sprint training had a beneficial effect for both eccentric hamstring strength and sprint performance, whilst also producing greater soreness than the NHE following the final training session. It was concluded that a four-week block of maximum speed training may have both an injury prevention and performance enhancement benefit.
Description:
Objectives: To evaluate the current evidence regarding the quantification of cricket fast-bowling skill. Methods: Studies that assessed fast-bowling skill (bowling speed and accuracy) were identified from searches in SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) in June 2017. The reference lists of identified papers were also examined for relevant investigations. Results: A total of 16 papers matched the inclusion criteria, and discrepancies in assessment procedures were evident. Differences in test environment, pitch, and cricket ball characteristics; the warm-up prior to test; test familiarization procedures; permitted run-up lengths; bowling spell length; delivery sequence; test instructions; collection of bowling speed data; and collection and reportage of bowling accuracy data were apparent throughout the literature. The reliability and sensitivity of fast-bowling skill measures have rarely been reported across the literature. Only 1 study has attempted to assess the construct validity of its skill measures. Conclusions: There are several discrepancies in how fast-bowling skill has been assessed and subsequently quantified in the literature to date. This is a problem, because comparisons between studies are often difficult. Therefore, a strong rationale exists for the creation of match-specific standardized fast-bowling assessments that offer greater ecological validity while maintaining acceptable reliability and sensitivity of the skill measures. If prospective research can act on the proposed recommendations from this review, then coaches will be able to make more informed decisions surrounding player selection, talent identification, return to skill following injury, and the efficacy of short- and long-term training interventions for fast bowlers.
Description:
The efficacy of injury prevention exercise programs (IPEPs) for amateur youth soccer has been established, but little is known about their adaptability to other soccer populations. This study aimed to assess the use of individual injury prevention exercises by professional youth soccer teams, against the industry-standard, FIFA 11+ program. Four teams' chosen IPEPs were observed across one season and documented on a standardized form. The use of each FIFA 11+ exercise was coded as “performed”, “performed modified” or “not performed”. The proportion of the 160 observed sessions containing each individual exercise was calculated. Staff provided reasons for their use and modification of FIFA 11+ exercises. On average, individual FIFA 11+ exercises were conducted in original form in 12% of the sessions (range 0–33%), and in modified form in 28% of sessions (range 2–62%). The five most frequently observed exercises, in either original or modified form, were “bench” (72%), “squats” (69%), “running straight” (68%), “single-leg stance” (66%), and “sideways bench” (64%). Staff modified exercises to add variation, progression, and individualization, and to align with specific training formats and goals. Professional youth soccer teams often use injury prevention exercises similar to those in the FIFA 11+, but tailor them considerably to fit their implementation context.
Description:
The efficacy of injury prevention exercise programs (IPEPs) for amateur youth soccer has been established, but little is known about their adaptability to other soccer populations. This study aimed to assess the use of individual injury prevention exercises by professional youth soccer teams, against the industry-standard, FIFA 11+ program. Four teams' chosen IPEPs were observed across one season and documented on a standardized form. The use of each FIFA 11+ exercise was coded as “performed”, “performed modified” or “not performed”. The proportion of the 160 observed sessions containing each individual exercise was calculated. Staff provided reasons for their use and modification of FIFA 11+ exercises. On average, individual FIFA 11+ exercises were conducted in original form in 12% of the sessions (range 0–33%), and in modified form in 28% of sessions (range 2–62%). The five most frequently observed exercises, in either original or modified form, were “bench” (72%), “squats” (69%), “running straight” (68%), “single-leg stance” (66%), and “sideways bench” (64%). Staff modified exercises to add variation, progression, and individualization, and to align with specific training formats and goals. Professional youth soccer teams often use injury prevention exercises similar to those in the FIFA 11+, but tailor them considerably to fit their implementation context.
Description:
Talpey, SW, Young, WB, and Beseler, B. Effect of instructions on selected jump squat variables. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2508-2513, 2016-The purpose of this study was to compare 2 instructions on the performance of selected variables in a jump squat (JS) exercise. The second purpose was to determine the relationships between JS variables and sprint performance. Eighteen male subjects with resistance training experience performed 2 sets of 4 JS with no extra load with the instructions to concentrate on (a) jumping for maximum height and (b) extending the legs as fast as possible to maximize explosive force. Sprint performance was assessed at 0- to 10-m and 10- to 20-m distances. From the JS jump height, peak power, relative peak power, peak force, peak velocity, and countermovement distance were measured from a force platform and position transducer system. The JS variables under the 2 instructions were compared with paired t-tests, and the relationships between these variables and sprint performance were determined with Pearson's correlations. The jump height instruction produced greater mean jump height and peak velocity (p < 0.05), but the fast leg extension instruction produced greater (p < 0.05) peak force (3.7%). There was a trivial difference between the instructions for peak power output (p > 0.05). Jump height was the variable that correlated most strongly with 10-m time and 10- to 20-m time under both instructions. The height instruction produced a stronger correlation with 10-m time (r = -0.455), but the fast leg extension JS produced a greater correlation with 10-20 time (r = -0.545). The results indicate that instructions have a meaningful influence on JS variables and therefore need to be taken into consideration when assessing or training athletes.