Abstract

The author discusses two related elements of athletic performance, strength and power. In the first section he highlights the essential theories which underpin strength training. He describes a progression from the simple system of resistance training, designed to develop a base level of strength, to more sophisticated combination systems which can develop specific aspects of strength. The first section concludes with suggestions as to how weight training can be incorporated into the competition season. In the second section the author explains that the low status of British field event performance in the 1960s encouraged him to introduce innovative exercises for the training of power. After discussing the theories behind the development of power, and its relationship to strength, speed and stamina, he describes some of these exercises. He concludes the article with some suggestions for the phasing of power training in a single-periodized year, and for some event-specific combinations. Verf.-Referat