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Strength, Speed and Power |
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- The aim of this lesson is to learn about different forms of strength and the relationship between speed and strength (Equivalent to UK GCSE Physical Education)
Strength
There are three kinds of 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. |
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