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Have you ever had an athlete walk into a scheduled power/plyometric/ballistic session and you thought, I think we’ll get more out of a cup of coffee than training today?

I have talked about the importance of intensity and the need to develop explosive power. I’d like to give you an example of this pertaining to the scenario described above. We as coaches and athletes need to understand the importance of the mind+muscle connect in driving explosive power adaptation. Your athlete needs to bring an intense mental focus to every rep, to every foot strike, to optimise adaptation.

Many times, as trainers we need to stop sets or reps and ask the athlete to re-tune themselves, as movements look slow, foot strikes sound like a slow “plonk” rather than a fast “tap”. The power of “intention” is well documented, researchers have shown us, that if you intend to move something fast even if it is a zero-velocity isometric contraction, you can produce high velocity adaptation.

So, whether you are moving a heavy load, or projecting yourself or med ball, if the adaptation you are seeking is explosive power, then ensure the athlete sets the intention to “attack” every rep. This mind+muscle connect should benefit their explosive training no end.

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