Programming: Establishing Point B

Point B — the optimal point (i.e., physical state) of the athlete that will ensure a level of success in sport.

Establishing Point B

Programming starts with establishing reference points. Previously we wrote about Point A. Point A represents the current physical state of the athlete, and Point B is the optimal physical state the athlete must be in to ensure success in sport (at the level of competition). The only mechanism that exists which can close the gap and transform an athlete from a suboptimal physical state to an optimal physical state for sport is specific training work.

Something unique to Absolute is we coherently understand treatment as the most specific form of training work that exists for the athlete — for example, here is an example of a high-level physique competitor performing training work to normalize lumbar spine function in the treatment/clinic setting.

Point B

As we are aware, there is no set optimal in any dynamic system. It is a word we use at Absolute based on the dictionary definition (meaning best or most favorable). In systems, there are only oscillations around what can be determined as variations of efficiency of the system, meaning that a “true” optimal does not exist but is a range of different states that allow for the same level of performance. Having said that, we can characterize certain attributes or qualities that an athlete should possess that will allow them to have the greatest potential to achieve a level of optimal.

The qualities that the athlete should possess to achieve optimal are:

1. A necessary high level of joint function

2. Have a required absolute strength capacity (relative to the level of competition)

3. A high level of speed-strength (rate of force discharge capacity)

4. The ability to generate a necessary level of reactive strength (stiffness, load-bearing capacity, force absorption, and dissipation)

At Absolute, it is our belief that these are the 4 most important physical capacities the athlete must possess to ensure success in sport. All of these capacities are specifically trainable capacities — meaning they are totally dependent and reliant on an appropriate input within treatment and training.

Understand: When the athlete possesses joint function, optimal absolute strength, and the ability to express their strength at the highest attainable speeds without connective tissue failure, they are at an optimal physical state, therefore, Point B.

Physical Capacities of Point B

Joint Function

Joint function means having enough macro range of motion in the external environment but also possessing enough relative (micro) motion in the internal environment between two bony elements.

Absolute Strength

Absolute strength is the readily ability of the nervous system to generate an optimal magnitude of the force that is efficiently propagated through the internal environment and discharged sometimes into the external environment.

Speed-Strength

Rate of force development or speed-strength — is the rapid discharge of force resulting from the cumulative effect of tissue-specific quantities and nerve system capacities.

Reactive Strength

Reactive strength has been used to classify explosive strength - but is a special strength behavior of the connective tissue system, therefore, is a connective tissue-based capacity.

Training to Attaining Point B

Specific training work for each of these physical capacities must be performed to attain optimal levels. Optimal levels of each physical capacity will differ from sport to sport. For instance, the optimal absolute strength levels for the NFL offensive lineman are obviously going to be much higher than any NHL athlete. The shoulder joint function of an MLB pitcher is different than the shoulder joint function of an NBA point guard; however, this understanding is what allows the programmer to create the necessary Point B for that particular athlete.

Training to attain the optimal physical state (i.e., Point B) can only occur through conjugate method programming, as the optimal physical state requires the accumulation of multiple physical capacities simultaneously. For example, possessing optimal joint function through. training while simultaneously training maximal strength can lead to exponential effects. The only way to possess multiple physical capacities simultaneously is to be concurrently training them, and the only training method that enables that to occur is the conjugate method.

What’s Next?

We will delve into the training of each physical capacity - which will include: defining each physical capacity, choosing the appropriate method to train to acquire that capacity, and then logically organizing that training in time and over time to attain the optimal physical state for the athlete.