The combination of strength and velocity (speed) is what produces power. In fact, peak power is simply force multiplied by velocity (or work divided by time). Each of these components are directly connected to one another.
Developing and maximising each of these components involves exposing players to different kinds of training stimuli – which allow them to improve their force production, generation of peak power, repeated sub-maximal power efforts, acceleration, top end speed and deceleration. By only training one of these components, it is likely a player’s performance will only improve in that section. For example, only training maximum strength may lead to improvements in force production, but could also lead to a reduction in the speed of contractions. By training all aspects, the objective is to lift heavier loads at greater velocities, increasing power production and explosiveness. On the pitch, this is then where transfer to speed advantages, gained in combination with greater strength, power and sustained power is desired. A good training program is one which considers this.
Lack of understanding of this concept is what leads many to believe heavy lifts have no place in Football. Strength cannot be separated as an essential component to moving fast, let alone from its many other applications to the game. Confusion between mass and relative strength is often where people misstep with this idea.
Programmes which combine strength, power and speed training in combination are repeatedly shown to improve performance more than any in isolation. Keep this in mind regardless of the overall physical improvement you are trying to elicit. The relation between each requires you to be smarter in your program design.
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