You may have come across the term “explosive power” in relation to athletics and wondered what it meant. Fortunately, when we use the term “explosive” when discussing athletic development, we’re not talking about literal explosions.
In this article, we’ll explore what explosive power actually means, how you can develop more of it, and why it matters.
1. What is explosive power?
Explosive power is the ability to produce a maximum amount of force in a very short period of time.
A simple example of a movement where explosive power can be seen is jumping. When you jump, your muscles contract very quickly to produce the force necessary to propel your body into the air.
Other examples of explosive power would be seen in activities such as sprinting, swinging a bat, or throwing a ball.
2. How can you train for explosive power?
To train for explosive power, athletes need to do exercises that help them develop their muscles’ fast-twitch fibers. These are the fibers that allow us to generate the most force in the shortest amount of time possible.
There are two main types of “explosive training” that can help develop this power: plyometrics and weightlifting. Plyometrics are exercises that involve rapid stretching and contracting of the muscles, such as jumps and bounds.
Weightlifting exercises like squats and cleans also develop explosive power, although to a lesser extent than plyometrics.
An online coaching program can help you determine the best speed and explosive training exercises for your needs, as well as provide you with customized workouts and progress tracking.
3. Why is explosive power important for athletes?
Explosive power is important for athletes because it can help them improve their performance in sports that require quick bursts of speed or strength, such as sprinting, jumping, or throwing a ball.
It’s a major factor in both speed and jumping ability. Basically, the more power an athlete can generate, the faster they can run, and the higher they can jump.
4. What are some exercises to improve explosive power?
Some exercises that can help improve explosive power are plyometric exercises, such as jump squats or box jumps, and weight training exercises like power cleans and snatches.
5. What are the benefits of having explosive power?
The benefits of having explosive power in athletic development are that it can help athletes become faster and more powerful, which can lead to improved performance in their chosen sport.
Additionally, explosive power can help reduce the risk of injuries because muscles that are able to generate more force are less likely to be overworked or strained.
Conclusion
Explosive power is an important aspect of athletic development that can help athletes in a variety of ways. By doing exercises that improve explosive power, athletes can become faster, stronger, and less injury-prone.
If you’re looking to take your athletic performance to the next level, focus on developing speed, strength, and explosive power.