30 Seconds SummarySport Specific Training Simplified
- Sport Specific Training (SST) focuses on practicing the specific movements required in a sport, rather than just general fitness or strength exercises.
- Historically, misconceptions like weightlifting making athletes slow have been debunked, showing the evolution of sports training ideologies.
- Sports can be defined by a specific set of movements unique to each, meaning they require tailored training routines that emphasize these particular activities.
- For MMA, training should target both striking (e.g., boxing, karate) and grappling (e.g., BJJ, wrestling), as well as the transitions between standing and ground phases.
- Roller Derby involves strategic movements like lateral sidestepping and strong blocking techniques, focusing on drills that enhance these capabilities is crucial.
- Effective sport specific training requires identifying personal or team weaknesses in the sport's movements and intensively drilling those areas more frequently than stronger areas.
- General gym training should still support sport specific training by fostering overall body strength and resolving imbalances—exercises like deadlifts or kettlebell swings are beneficial.
- Repetition and continual reassessment of skills and weaknesses are necessary to improve in any sport and maintain physical health.
Biolayne
Peter Baker
