Contrast Training for Speed and Power

Here at SST Burlington we are big fans of everything power and speed! One type of training that we use with our athletes to help them achieve results is contrast training, a form of complex training. This type of training involves alternating a set of resistance exercise with a set of plyometrics or speed drill.

This type of training is a more advanced style that we use with athletes who have a great deal of basic strength and training experience. This style of training works to help advance the force/velocity continuum characteristics of our athletes, by working both ends of the force/velocity curve at the same time. The increase in speed and power from this type of training is derived from a concept called post-activation potentiation, that improves muscle function. Why this is important to us and our athlete’s is that the methods we use are backed by scientific evidence, but more importantly get our athletes great results!

Compared to regular resistance training, a recent meta-analysis has identified contrast training as more effective than regular resistance training for improving speed and counter movement jump, a great indicator of athletic power (Pagaduan et al. 2019, J. Strength Cond. Res.).

Though this type of training is great, we use a variety of different training modalities at SST Burlington to help our athletes get results, and while this is a great form of training it takes a great coach to identify what you personally need to improve performance for your sport.

Come check us out at SST Burlington, and our summer High Performance Camp to help you get results this summer and improve your speed and power for your sport!