Resistance Training Practices of Brazilian Olympic Sprint and Jump Coaches: Toward a Deeper Understanding of Their Choices and Insights (Part III)

Abstract

In the final part of this three-article collection on the training strategies of Brazilian Olympic sprint and jump coaches, we provide a detailed description of the resistance training methods and exercises most commonly employed by these speed experts. Always with the objective of maximizing the sprint and jump capabilities of their athletes, these experienced coaches primarily utilize variable, eccentric, concentric, machine-based, isometric, complex, and isoinertial resistance training methods in their daily practices. Squats (in their different forms), Olympic weightlifting, ballistics, hip thrusts, lunges, calf raises, core exercises, leg curls, stiff-leg deadlifts, and leg extension are the most commonly prescribed exercises in their training programs, during both the preparatory and competitive periods. Therefore, the current manuscript comprehensively describes and examines these methods, with the additional aim of extrapolating their application to other sports, especially those where sprint speed is a key performance factor.

The Effects of Resistance Training on Sport-Specific Performance of Elite Athletes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…However, the influence of RT is not uniform; it varies according to the athlete's competitive level, sex, and the specific demands of their sport. Notably, the impact of RT is more pronounced in national elite athletes than their international counterparts, suggesting that the latter may require more advanced and individualized training interventions ( Loturco et al, 2024 ). Further meta-analysis revealed that RT had a more significant impact on local sports tasks compared to global activities, indicating its differential influence on sport-specific performance.…”

“…Resistance training (RT) is widely acknowledged as a vital component in enhancing athletic performance, significantly influencing an athlete's sport-specific abilities and skills ( Abdi et al, 2019 ; Loturco et al, 2024 ; Spieszny et al, 2022 ; Thiele et al, 2020 b). Its diverse nature allows for a broad spectrum of benefits, adaptable to various athletic needs and goals ( Harries et al, 2012 ; Loturco et al, 2023a ; Saeterbakken et al, 2022 ).…”