The Limiting Factor

I read a quote the other day from Verkhoshansky discussing the role the gastroc and plantar flexors have in vertical jumping. In short, he pointed out they are not a primary force producer during the jump, however, they are often the most important force transmitted (especially for jumps that do not start from a stand still).

He expressed that athletes need strong calves to allow for proper force absorption and transmission during ballistic actions. If the calves are not strong enough, they will hinder the expression of the larger power producing movements.

He goes on to mention that such adaptations to the calves should occur early on in training years and be maintained. Basically, there is an order in which the body adapts to training and by skipping steps, we do not optimize performance.

I have heard similar training strategies used in Olympic weight lifting development. Basically trainers would make sure athletes had a strong enough back before even teaching technique. This would allow for better transfer of skill of specific strengths were not limiting.

Make it Applicable

It’s easy to understand this concept if you look at it from the view point of developing your quads. If you only squat and the limiting factor in your squat is your back, then how much quad development are you actually getting? Thus, before applying a training stimulus, make sure the limiting factor is the area you’re targeting.

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