Many coaches are now beginning to pay greater attention to skill execution (technique) because of its close relationship to successful play on the field. In an effort to maintain or improve skill technique they are being more cognizant of how strength affects technique in different circumstances.
If the athlete has too little or too much strength it affects technique in a negative manner. Because of this attention is focused on developing an optimal level of strength. This means that the strength gained will have a positive effect on skill execution (performance) especially on the field.
The exact manner in which strength affects technique depends upon age, level of skill mastery, level of athletic performance and level of strength. Increasing more and more strength does not enhance technique and the ability of the athlete to execute his skill.
In junior and high school athletes, greater strength can enhance technique. In these ages greater strength has a positive effect on almost all aspects of performance. In addition it has been shown that the 1 x 20 RM programhim is best suited for this purpose. Not only is technique enhanced but the athletes gain greater strength and muscular endurance.
In higher-level athletes, who have been in training for multiple years, increased strength has a positive effect on technique only if the strength exercises are specific to the skill execution (technique). The athlete at this time should do specialized strength exercises that use the same neuromuscular pathway as used in execution of the competitive skill.
For the higher-level strength and technique are very closely aassociated. For these athletes general strength exercises have a negative effect on technique especially when very heavy weights are used. Understand that most skills are executed with speed and explosive power. When strength exercises with heavy weights are used the movement is slow.
As a result the athlete’s nervous system responds in a negative manner and the strength is not incorporated into the skill. A different neuromuscular pathway may be established that interferes with the athlete does in game competition.
The only way to develop strength to enhance technique is to have the exercise duplicate the motor pathway used in executing the competitive skill. So that the movement corresponds to skill technique it is often necessary to use specialized equipment such as the Active Cords that allows you to execute the movement across different planes and in different directions.
With their use you can duplicate what occurs in the skill execution. This means having the ability to duplicate the same neuromuscular pathway, developing strength over the same range of motion in which it is displayed and using the same type of muscular contraction.
As you do specialized exercises that combine strength and technique you should visualize the exercise execution as it is seen in performing the competitive skill. As a result, you get maximum transfer of the physical ability to the skill execution. You improve your technique as well as your physical abilities as they relate to your technique.
See Secrets of Soviet Sports Fitness and Training, Build a Better Athlete and The Revolutionar 1 x 20 RM Strength Training Program for more information.