Many sports require that athletes develop high
levels of absolute strength, and these strength gains will result in increases in muscle mass.
The problem arises when the
expression of absolute strength begins to dominate the training objectives and the performance objectives become a secondary objective.
It is important to measure and improve one's abilities in any training program, but the pressing question is, how and when should the maximal abilities of an athlete be measured, especially in
terms of absolute strength.
According to Bosco's original Strength Continuum, peak vertical bar velocity between 1.00 and 1.30 m / sec (power clean) is ideal to develop strength - speed whereas peak vertical bar velocity in excess of 1.30 m / sec up to 1.90 m / sec (power snatch) are more indicated to develop speed - strength, the athletic - like
manifestation of absolute strength in sports.
Dr. John Garhammer — brilliant mind, with a terrific understanding of Newtonian mechanics, physics and mathematics and a great deal of experience in training athletes, from Olympic weightlifters to throwers — addressed the important similarities in terms of peak power output (a
derivative of absolute strength) and rate of force development between Olympic weightlifters, high jumpers, and throwers.
Should I focus on the expression
of absolute strength so he can look great on paper, or should I concentrate on enhancing his pitching and give him the best shot he can possibly have at making a squad?
On top of this, athletes who have already attained a good
level of absolute strength, say a 2x bodyweight deep squat, will have much less to gain from developing limit strength vs. an athlete with a 1x bodyweight squat.