Contrast Method: Max Effort Lower & Upper + Max Effort Positional Isometrics
Implementing multifaceted training methods that effectively stimulate the development of the lineman's neurology is crucial for facilitating transfer of training effects to blocking.
Rising from the Valley of Death: Solving the Lineman Development Problem
We have crossed the inflection point and recognized the physiological reality that blocking is a special strength, and its fundamental strength capacity is absolute strength—join us! Emerging from the valley of death, we now clearly see the widespread lineman development problem. The core of the problem is the misunderstanding of blocking as merely a skill rather than a special strength. Viewing blocking only as a skill is incomplete and inaccurate. It leads to the false belief—the trap—that skill work is more important than training work.
Understand: With a coherent understanding of Lineman Special Strength (LSS), we can now design training protocols that elevate suboptimally trained linemen from the valley of death to high ground, where they possess the neurological and biological prerequisites for the special strength that is blocking.
Absolute Strength: The Fundamental Strength of LSS
In making the paradigm shift and recognizing absolute strength as the fundamental strength capacity of the lineman, we utilize the max effort method. However, we understand that max effort alone stimulates the development of lineman neurology; we still need to address the problem of transfer of training. Our solution in this training session is max effort positional isometrics. These positional isometrics are potent training that elicits positive transfer of training effects, enabling lineman neurology to maximally output in positions specific to blocking.
Positional isometrics also solve the failed blocks problem due the peak contraction principle.
Training Explained
Let’s explain the training that you see in the video.
Max Effort Barbell Single Leg Box Step Ups w/Accommodating Resistance
Max Effort Fat Barbell Flat Bench Press w/Accommodating Resistance
Positional Dynamic Medicine Ball Throws into a Max Effort Postional Isometric
Max effort training stimulates the construction of new and larger muscular nodes, which are interconnected with motor units. The maximal load constrains the lineman's neurology, forcing the CNS to compress itself in a brief amount of time to achieve maximal output—a prerequisite for blocking. Once this prerequisite is optimally trained, the lineman’s neural network is plastic and responsive; we mold it to maximize output in specific blocking positions.
The Time is Now
The time has come to treat the lineman as an absolute strength athlete and optimize his training. We've reached an inflection point, recognizing that absolute strength is the fundamental strength capacity. Traditional training has left linemen in the valley of death, but now we see the path to high ground.
We urge you to give the training sequence above a try with your lineman. This is more than training—it's a transformation. Push the limits of neurology and physiology to create trained linemen who can repeatedly generate violent blocks. Adopt this innovative sequence and rise out of the valley of death. The future of lineman development is here, and it starts with you. Leave us your feedback in the comments section below!