Developing Explosive Athletes: Use of Velocity Based Training in Athletes

Book Synopsis: To keep up with the tremendous amount of new information that comes out every month in the Velocity Based Training space, this updated edition of Developing Explosive Athletes has been revised to match the latest research. Some of the topics addressed in this edition (in addition to previous information) are velocity loss, different technologies for VBT, force-velocity profiling, and individual load-velocity profiling.Let’s start with velocity loss. It is a very versatile means for VBT that enables you to determine how much fatigue you want the athlete to accrue. The amount of fatigue accrued will drive the adaptations. For instance, if the coach wants to minimize fatigue while still training heavy, a minimal velocity loss (10%) can be implemented. This will allow a stimulus while not overpowering the system, preventing resistance training from requiring too much energy for recovery. If an athlete needs to increase muscle mass appreciably, a larger velocity loss (40%) would be utilized to maximize hypertrophy. This and much more is delved in to for velocity loss.Also covered are different technologies for VBT. There are many different types of devices to measure the velocity of the barbell. It is difficult for someone to understand what the devices do and how they work to derive velocity. When deciding what technology is right for you, doing a cost-benefit analysis while understanding the pros and cons of various devices enables you to make the best decision.With force-velocity profiling, the power calculation is broken into its components of force and velocity. By understanding how the athlete develops power through force and velocity, it enables more informed decisions with how training should be guided. In the force-velocity profiling section, we also discuss how the athlete can enhance power to the greatest extent.Finally, individual load-velocity profiling is going to be discussed in detail for the first time in this text. Zones rely on averages and there are many instances in research when not a single individual will possess a mean value. Currently, there is a trend towards strength coaches working with smaller groups to have a more favorable coach to athlete ratio. The more favorable ratio, coupled with an increased understanding and utilization of velocity, can enable the coach to examine the individual load-velocity relationship rather than the group mean. This may lead to greater increases in each athlete's adaptations for speed and power.It has taken five years for this update and we are excited to bring you a no nonsense, easy to understand text with all the latest research. We hope you find this book informative and enjoyable.