Conversion to PowerThe final phase of the classical periodization model before maintenance and active recovery phases.Power is defined as the ability of the neuromuscular system to produce the greatest possible force in the shortest possible amount of time. An athlete can be very strong, but but unable to produce a large force in a short amount of time.

Power trainingPower training trains the CNS. Plyometrics and power related activity dont do a whole lot to assist in muscular hypertrophy, although they can complement weightlifting activities in the goal of achieving increased functional cross-sectional area of muscle.

Methods of power development in power trainingIsometric Method: weights lifted quicklyBallistic Method: medicine ball throwsPower Resisting Method: accumulate/release weightliftingPlyometric Method: plyometric and shock work

Power training: LiftingDuring power training, lifting weights is still employed, but the weightlifting is performed as fast as possible. Few exercises are chosen, so that more time can be spent on technical and tactical aspects of that sport. Although the book gives some different examples, just a couple of olympic lifts performed in the 6x3 range will suffice for this phase.

Power trainingWeightlifting parameters

Power training and the ballistic methodBallistic training involves the use of thrown objects, such as medicine balls and shot puts. The difference between throwing medicine balls and doing weightlifting exercises, aside from the speed, is that, during weightlifting exercises, the bar must be decelerated at the top of the lift. In a medicine ball (and most sporting movements, acceleration must be provided all the way through the movement).

The ballistic methodTypically, the ballistic method is not used as the primary part of the training session.It is usually used, either directly after the warmup, or at the tail end of the workout.

Ballistic method example

Power resisted methodIn the power/resisted method, lifts are done with the use of partners to cause maximal tension and then release it. An example would be the following: An athlete squats down to parallel with 40% of his 1RM squat on the bar. Two teammates push down on the bar at the bottom and the athlete will push up as hard as possible for 2-3 seconds(the bar does not go anywhere). Then the teammates suddenly release and the athlete pushes up as fast as possible.

Power resisting methodThis works in a similar manner to the finger snap example we learned earlier in class. In this type of exercise, the maximal amount of actin/myosin cross bridges are activated, allowing lots of tension to be built up in the muscle, and then suddenly released in a powerful motion. 2-4 Exercises might be used in this type of workout.

Power resisting exampleParallel Squats: 5 sets of 3 with 40% 1RMBench Press Throw (smith machine): 5 sets of 3 with 40% 1RMRack Pulls: 5 sets of 3 with 40% 1RM 5x3Flying Pullups (band assist): 5x3 with 40% 5x3

This wouldnt be done more than 2x a week.

Power/Resistance and oscillatory isometricsOscillatory isometrics are a close relative to the power release method. In OIs, the athlete will generate maximal isometric tension on their own, and then completely relax and allow the muscle group to act reflexively. Examples

Plyometric methodWe have already learned much of plyometrics in class. For this lecture we will cover the intensity level of a few different types of plyometric activities.

Plyometric intensity levels

Long term plyometric planning

Plyometrics teaching landing power

Reactive power

Throwing power

Jumping power

Starting power

Acceleration power