Explosive Power

Explosive power matters. Being able to move big loads slowly is important, but typically only because training for peak strength leads to improvements in an athlete's ability to generate large amounts of force quickly.

We like strong be but we worship freakish displays of power. Coach Adrian is demonstrating this concept beautifully by jumping onto a 52 inch tower after squatting a heavy 5x5.

Crossfit develops peak explosive power very well. Adding some high jumping drills to your game will definitely help your hops.

Note that all of the jumps in these photos are accompanied by pretty extreme hip range of motion. Hmmm, turns out that that the flexibility stuff sort of helps to express that peak explosive power.

Note also the low bench behind the jumper. This bench effectively places the jumper in a good squat (hip crease below knee position). All of these jumps were performed without the benefit of a stretch shortening cycle (no pre-jumping, quick down-ups, running start). Jumping assessment from this dead start, low squat position is a pretty fair expression of an athlete's ability to generate pure explosive force.

There is a good rumor that the Bulgarians choose their junior Olympic Lifting athletes
by assessing their standing broad jump. In this case Coach Adrian has cleared 8 45 lb plates on top of a 25 inch box. Wonder if he'd be selected for the team?


Coach K


Coach K hits 7 plates after back squatting 405.