This episode discusses Athletics Australia's "Strength for Sprinting" guide, exploring the concept of specificity in strength training and highlighting how different training parameters can influence the transfer of gym gains to sprinting performance.

The article examines five key factors: velocity, muscle group, muscle action, direction of force, and joint angle, demonstrating how training must be tailored to these specific aspects to maximise performance improvement. It argues that strength training should mirror the demands of sprinting, emphasising exercises that replicate the high-velocity, multi-joint movements and specific muscle activation patterns required for optimal speed and power.

Source

• Strength for Sprinting - Connecting Gym Gains with Sprinting Performance

Download the full guide with demonstration of the stretches and exercises here

This conversation explores findings published in the journal Advances in Physical Education, examining the importance of hip mobility and flexibility for track and field athletes.

The authors argue that restricted hip range of motion can lead to muscle imbalances and injuries, highlighting the prevalence of injuries in non-contact sports.

The article presents a program of nine mobility exercises and six flexibility exercises, with accompanying images, intended to improve hip range of motion and athletic performance.

This episode discusses a paper by Wolfgang Ritzdorf, Director of the World High Jump Centre in Cologne, Germany, explaining his approach to coaching high jumpers.
He argues that coaches must first establish a technical model for their athletes, then assess whether their personal style hinders or helps them achieve key technical elements. Next, he emphasises the crucial role of reactive strength in determining an athlete's ideal take-off time, which, in turn, informs the technical model selected.

Ritzdorf outlines a four-stage technical preparation programme:
1. Developing general qualities,
2. Developing specific qualities,
3. Developing specific skills, and
4. Technical training.

He concludes that limiting technical training to a maximum of two sessions per week, with a small number of jumps from a short approach, helps to maximise performance and avoid negative changes in the dynamics of the jump.

Source:
Approaches to Technique and Technical Training in the High Jump