One of the fundamental pillars of spots performance training is sport specificity. Training is most effective when the training most closely mimics the sport you are training for. This is why sport specificity is a core value at PSP when working with our athletes. Having said that, one thing that is forgotten is that specificity exists on a continuum and like all things it must be utilized properly and with moderation.
When putting together a training program several factors determine what level of specificity is needed. On a long-term scale younger athletes need less specificity than older athletes. Youth athletes are constantly in the process of building motor patterns and acquiring physical coordination therefore having them do a variety of movements will produce the most well-rounded athlete as they get older. Additionally, having a high level of coordination and physical competency makes them highly resistant to injuries of all kinds. If an athlete only trains very specific movement patterns any deviation will likely result in injury. This is the reason single sport athletes often burn out at a young age or are frequently injured. Training periods closest to competition should involve the highest level of sport specificity while further out from competition should involve more generalized physical training. For the same reason as youth v. advanced athletes, further out from training you are looking to make large improvements in physiological factors (e.g. speed, strength, power) and as you get closer you will apply those qualities to your sport specific movements. This concept of “build then apply” is critical and often overlooked when training athletes.
2 Comments
8/13/2018 11:06:32 pm
Proper training and exercise can lead to an efficient body work in sports. Building and maintaining an active and well-regulated fitness lifestyle can contribute on the maintenance of your physical body. I totally agree that when in training, one must have the know-hows of the general and specific training exercises in order for them to know what suits best their training regimen. Time and the matter or process to which you conduct your training exercise is crucial in the success of your fitness. Basic and intermediate understanding of the process is a big must.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorAndrew Moore Archives
August 2019
Categories |