This is my answer to the dilemma of one sided biased training. This is a common problem in many programs today. Instead of keeping perspective on the big picture and evaluating and developing all athletic qualities there is a tendency to emphasize one component to the exclusion of others. Perhaps the most overemphasized is the component of strength manifested in weight training. There are many commercial programs that market to high schools with prepared programs that emphasize loading the youngsters up. There is no progression and no adjustment made for different sports and gender. These program claim big numbers in terms of squat and bench, but is the cost worth it? We do not hear anything about the injuries that occur because young bodies are being prematurely loaded. In many respects it does not matter what component of training is overemphasized, they are all interdependent. If you bias training toward one component during the developmental years the athlete will not reach their full athletic potential later in their development. Even though one quality was improved it?s ultimate development will be limited by its dependence on other qualities. For example how can you train speed with training strength and power? To develop speed to the fullest there must be a parallel development of strength and power.
Vern Gambetta
Latest posts by Vern Gambetta (see all)
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