Strength Training and Skill Training

I have been reflecting more on the interview that I did the other day with Doug McGuff. In particular I've been thinking about this issue of strength training versus skill training.


Here is a quote from Richard Winnett that says something similar to Doug:

Similar arguments can be made concerning 'functional' and 'stability' training. The basic assumptions are that training in a specific way transfers directly to a sport or activity of daily living and training in unstable environments activates more muscle fibers and also will better transfer to unstable 'real life tasks'.

The arguments made for this kind of training fall apart when the research literature is consulted. At best, studies suggest that transfer of training occurs very little or not at all. This is what is meant by these outcomes. Training in a certain way such as very rapid movements or jumping with weights does not enhance rapid movements or jumping, for example, in a sport, any more than conventional training enhances such performance.

The major outcomes of such studies suggest that the goal should be to gain strength in a safe, efficient, and effective way and then learn how to use that strength in a given sport. Trying to mimic the sport in training makes little or no sense.

I am really intrigued by that last statement: gain strength in a safe, efficient, and effective way and then learn how to use that strength in a given sport.

The sort of research he is talking about is here.


I've started to sense a "freedom" about the approach that he is promoting. Sometimes there is a danger - for me at least - of always looking for the next big thing, looking for the secret training approach that will finally sort me out and make me perform better. Doug's approach is straightforward - you need basic strength training then you need to practice the skills for your sport. It isn't complicated - stop looking for the hidden secret.