Applied Physiology: Strength for Football

Abstract

In the modern game of football little is left to chance. Game strategy is based on statistical tendency charts and sound rationale. Likewise, player performance is perfected with rational physiological training. Today's football athletes must possess size, quickness, potential, strong motivation, speed, and strength. Potential and motivation are two relatively untrainable factors while strength, and indirectly from strength, size and speed, are increased through a scientifically sound strength program. Strength gained through an intense weight-training program can provide the power to overcome one's opponent. When combined with an effective flexibility program, weight-training exercises for strength cap increase one's speed. Many coaches have been deterred from the application of weight-training for strength due to the myths that are often associated with it. Actually, many studies have proven beyond a doubt that weight-training develops one's strength, endurance, coordination, balance, and flexibility. While strength may physiologically improve one's athletic performance, such programs may also psychologically improve, by instilling a sense of confidence, one's play. The stronger an athlete becomes the more confident he is. He is able to meet a challenge, his opponent, and conquer it! Strength weight-training also improves the strength and reduces the susceptibility of one's connective tissues (tendons and ligaments) to injury. Also, by placing heavier demands on one's body than can be imposed on it during football training, weight-training for strength can improve one's explosive, anaerobic energy reserves. For these reasons this paper has been written to provide an understanding of the basic physiological knowledge involved in improving one's strength through weight-training for football.