It has always been my opinion that when incorporating strength training into a program designed to develop an athlete and help them get faster, stronger, and play injury free, we must be very concerned why and how a movement happens. Technique is more important than how much weight is on the bar or machine.
When you lift with poor technique you will have poor muscle development, minimal gains in strength, and you are likely to hurt yourself. When beginning any strength program it is crutial that proper technique is practiced and perfected with low weight. It can be easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of lifting a lot of weight especially in the core exercises such as Squats, Dead Lifts, Cleans, Snatch, and Bench Press. These exercises should also be taught by a trained professional who has been certified in how these specific lifts should be performed.
When you are working on your cleans next time, make sure that what you are doing can translate to how you are supposed to run and jump, and make sure that you are doing it at the speed of sport.
Andrew Harestad
Director of Methodology
CAMP, Building Better Athletes LLC