Strength Training and Coordination

Training theory has traditionally distinguished between strength, speed, agility, stamina and coordination—basic motor properties that have been seen as more or less separate factors. Frans Bosch’s book Strength Training and Coordination: An Integrative Approach claims that this distinction is questionable in both theory and practice. In particular, the transfer of training cannot be understood if these five properties are treated as separate factors. This is a highly original and scientifically substantiated viewpoint that has never before been presented in a textbook. This book does not approach strength training in terms of its mechanical manifestations; instead, the author presents a model based on what is known about the underlying processes of self-organization. Specificity between strength exercises and athletic movement is thus identified, and the term ‘overload’ acquires a new meaning. Dynamic systems theory is used to create a link between motor learning and strength training. In addition, theory is constantly translated into guidelines for practice. In this book, sport-specific strength training means ‘coordination training under increased resistance’. It will be of interest to sport scientists, physiotherapists, movement specialists and other coaches who want to do more than just strengthen the musculoskeletal system. This book is about contextual strength training. Strength Training and Coordination: An Integrative Approach is the translation of the fully revised second edition of the Dutch-language book Krachttraining en coördinatie, een integrative benadering, which originally published in 2012. In addition to Dutch and English the book has also been published in French, Italian, Korean, Japanese and Chinese. Together with RONALD KLOMP he has previously written the book Running: Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology in Practice, which was published by Churchill Livingstone in 2004. In 2020 Anatomy of Agility was published. It pioneers movement analysis in sports, based upon the principles of self-organization and it provides indispensable guidelines for understanding movement as well as the role of specificity in transfer of training. Besides Dutch and English the book has been published in Korean and Japanese. FRANS BOSCH was formerly a teacher at the Fontys Sports College in the Netherlands. Via FBS (www.fransbosch.systems) he now provides courses for coaches and physiotherapists. He also has extensive experience as a consultant for numerous sports organizations, including the national rugby teams of Wales and Japan, EPL and Eredivisie football, NBA basketball, NRL rugby and MLB baseball.