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FAILURE OF STRENGTH TRAINING TO IMPROVE THROWING VELOCITY

Bloomfield, J., Blanksby, B. A., Ackland, T. R., & , G. T.

(1990). The influence of strength training on overhead throwing

velocity of elite water polo players. Australian Journal of Sience

and Medicine in Sport, 22(3), 63-67.

The relationship between muscular strength and morphology with

overhead throwing velocity was examined in elite water polo players

(N = 21). A strength training and no-training control group were

formed.

An 8-week program using " Nautilus " equipment and emphasizing upper

body strength development was employed. Regular swimming and game

practice continued.

Significant relationships were found between throwing velocity and

standing height, body mass, lean body mass, stem length, bicromial

width, arm girth, and forearm extension strength.

Following strength training, no change in throwing velocity was

observed in either group. In the strength training group there were

significant increases in arm girth, mesomorphy, and arm medial

rotation strength.

The authors explained the results this way:

" It is more likely that this homogeneous group of elite water polo

players already possessed optimum levels of upper body strength . . .

and that diminished strength returns were gained from the extra

training. More substantial strength gains would have been expected

from players of lower calibre with poorer overall physiques. " (p. 67)

Implication. The study really shows strength training on unrelated

activities does not improve speed actions. Strength training had no

carry over to the skill tested because it was neither neuromuscularly

nor modality specific.

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