The Science Behind Failed Blocks: Peak Contraction Principle
Watch enough game film and you’ll see something: linemen often fail in a similar body position, over and over. Part of that something is the Peak Contraction Principle.
The Peak Contraction Principle & Failed Blocks
The peak contraction principle is a concept from training science that frequently contributes to breakdowns in blocking outputs—leading to failed blocks.
How it works and its relation to blocking (lineman special strength):
Definition of peak contraction principle: a phenomenon where maximal muscular contraction occurs at a "sticking point" during a lift or block.
This sticking point is often referred to as the "minimax".
According to Dr. Zatsiorsky, an athlete's strength—the lineman—is limited by the strength attainable at the weakest point within the full range of joint motion. Muscles are maximally activated by the nervous system—neural network of absolute strength—only at this weakest point.
Relation to Failed Blocks:
When a lineman fails to execute a block, the peak contraction principle is often a contributing factor. Just as a powerlifter's lift is limited by strength at its weakest point, a lineman's ability to block effectively is limited by the strength attainable at the weakest point in the block.
This means that a lineman's mechanics tend to break down at their weakest position during a block, leading to failure. Game film often reveals consistent body positions where these failures occur, correlating with the lineman's weakest points.
Implications for Lineman Performance: A Limiting Constraint
The principle highlights that a lineman's overall ability to generate Lineman Special Strength (LSS) is equated to the strength of their weakest position. This is akin to the adage that "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link".
LSS System's Solution:
The Lineman Special Strength (LSS) system addresses this by identifying these weak positions through film analysis and then using positional isometrics in special practice.
This involves placing the lineman in the specific position where they typically fail and coaching them to execute a full-body isometric contraction in that position. This trains their ability to output maximal force in these specific positions of weakness.
Strengthening the lineman in their known weakest positions through this practice converts into improved generation of LSS and reduces the occurrence of failed blocks.
Note: This was pulled from page 182 in the LSS manual. For more details refer there or leave comments below.
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