GCSE PE Revision - Strength, Speed and Power

Strength

There are three kinds of strength; static strength, explosive strength and dynamic strength.

Static strength

This is used when you try to move an immoveable object, or carry a heavy object
There is no movement of the object
The muscles do not change length (isometric contraction)

Explosive strength

Used when exerting a force in a short, fast burst
This is similar to power
For example throwing a ball or long jump

Dynamic strength

Repeatedly applying force, over a long period
Similar to muscular endurance
For example when performing reps when weight training

Speed

Speed is a combination of reaction time and movement time:

Reaction time is the time it takes you to respond to a stimulus (such as a goalie responding to a shot in football or the starters gun)

Movement time is the time it takes to perform a movement (such as sprinting to catch an opponent or the arm speed in a golf swing)

Speed can be improved through training which concentrates on strength and technique, although some factors may limit your speed:

Inherited characteristics - such as the number of fast twitch fibres you have
Body shape and size - bone structure, weight and muscle size will affect how quickly you can move
Event duration - over longer distances, it is not possible to run at full speed throughout

Power

Power = speed x strength

Power is basically strong movements, performed with speed. Lots of sports require power, for example shooting in football requires power, as does driving in golf and smashing in badminton and tennis.

To be powerful you need to be strong, but you also need to have good balance and coordination, to direct and control this power.

Speed and power