Talking about strength training for running backs we need to think of all the various problems running backs may have to execute on the field. Running backs need to be able to hit a hole very quickly. They also need to have the strength to take on an opponent, like a powerhouse linebacker, monster defensive tackle, or a defensive back coming off the edge. 

American Football is a violent sport. Large athletes moving at incredible speeds hurl their bodies into one another to either move or prevent an odd-shaped object from entering the zone at the end of the field, commonly referred to as the endzone. The players attire themselves in pads and helmets as if costuming for a Mad Max film. On top of this protective garb, they dawn matching uniforms to demonstrate their allegiance to a geographical city. Audience members gather in droves to holler, hoot, and yell support and encouragement to the team they pledge allegiance to. It is quite the spectacle to behold.

Talking about explosive upper body exercises we need to think about it from various perspectives. To start, we want to see a rapid stretch shortening cycle. When there is a rapid stretch shortening cycle, the body will learn how to absorb energy and reuse it as actively as possible. That is a key concept to having athletic prowess.

Often times training around sprinting is going to revolve around fast movements and rapid rates of coordination. Naturally, people are confused about how bodybuilding can help in the sport of sprinting. Well we know that to be good at sprinting, athletes need to have an explosive start, a strong drive phase, great mechanics at top-end speed and slow down the slowest to be a world-class sprinter...

Becoming a faster sprinter requires being explosive. There are often times in the sport of sprinting where athletes feel there is nothing that can be done to drop their times. They think that they have done everything. They’ve improved their technique; they’ve added volume to their training; they’ve reduced volume in their training to feel fresh and tapered. Still, they’re not lowering their time. The sprinters get frustrated, feeling like they’re banging their head against the wall and getting nothing but a headache and frustration...