The Implementation of Velocity-Based Training Paradigm for Team Sports: Framework, Technologies, Practical Recommendations and Challenges

Abstract

While velocity-based training is currently a very popular paradigm to designing and monitoring resistance training programs, its implementation remains a challenge in team sports, where there are still some confusion and misinterpretations of its applications. In addition, in contexts with large squads, it is paramount to understand how to best use movement velocity in different exercises in a useful and time-efficient way. This manuscript aims to provide clarifications on the velocity-based training paradigm, movement velocity tracking technologies, assessment procedures and practical recommendations for its application during resistance training sessions, with the purpose of increasing performance, managing fatigue and preventing injuries. Guidelines to combine velocity metrics with subjective scales to prescribe training loads are presented, as well as methods to estimate 1-Repetition Maximum (1RM) on a daily basis using individual load–velocity profiles. Additionally, monitoring strategies to detect and evaluate changes in performance over time are discussed. Finally, limitations regarding the use of velocity of execution tracking devices and metrics such as “muscle power” are commented upon.

Velocity-Based Resistance Training on 1-RM, Jump and Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

“…Additionally, we are aware that the analyzed studies did not have a “true” control group (that is a group that did not receive treatment and therefore did not train); notwithstanding, we have based our analysis on pre-post changes and compared this (when available) to either alternative experimental groups or traditional 1-RM percentage-based training groups (control group). Although different authors have reported that improvements in strength-related variables are associated with sports performance, such as vertical jump, running speed, and throwing speed [ 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 ], it is worthwhile to evaluate the effect of this methodology on specific technical gestures of different sports modalities [ 73 ]. So far, it can only be stated that VBRT has positive effects on the performance of exercises such as the squat, bench press, pull-ups, and overhead press.…”

Reliability and validity of the multi-point method and the 2-point method’s variations of estimating the one-repetition maximum for deadlift and back squat exercises

“… Weakley et al (2021) attribute discrepancies in the accuracy of 1RM estimation to the greater technical complexity of squat and deadlift exercises compared with upper-body exercises. On the other hand, Balsalobre-Fernández & Torres-Ronda (2021) indicate that oscillations cause angle deviations up to 20° in exercises that require vertical lifting such as squat. This situation may cause measurement errors in studies where free weight exercises with angular momentum components are examined with linear transducers, as in this study.…”

Current Approach to Resistance Training: Velocity-Based Training: Traditional Review

“…Bir dizi tekrar sayılarının kullanıldığı bu yöntemde fazla sayıda yükün değerlendirilmesi, profilin doğruluğunu da artırmaktadır. 56,57 Bir antrenör için yük-hız profili ile antrenman yapmanın önemli yönü, antrenman uygulamaları arasındaki ve antrenman adaptasyonundan kaynaklı hız değişimlerinin ayırt edilebilmesidir. 29 Belirli bir egzersiz için bireysel yük-hız profili oluşturulurken, antrenör ve sporcuların uygulaması gereken bir dizi ölçüm ve analiz işlemi bulunmaktadır.…”

“…Elde edilen bu tablo, yüzde temelli geleneksel yöntemde olduğu gibi 1TM'nin yüzdelerine denk gelen hızlarda antrenman yapılmasına olanak sağlar. 29,35,56,58 Manuel olarak yapılan bu işlemlere alternatif olarak HTA'da kullanılan ekipmanların çoğunun yazılımlarında yük-hız profili oluşturma veya 1TM'yi submaksimal yüklerle tahmin etme özellikleri bulunmaktadır.…”

“…Serbest ağırlıkların kullanıldığı dikey egzersizlerde, yatay değişimler meydana gelmesinden dolayı bu egzersizlerde uygun egzersiz formu ve tekniği sağlanmalıdır. 56,69 Bu konu üzerine yapılan araştırmaların yöntem kısımlarında, egzersiz standardizasyonu vurgulanmaktadır. Örneğin squat egzersizinin standart bir şekilde yapılması için açıölçer, tripot ile açı kısıtlaması ve hareket analiz sistemleri gibi yöntemler kullanılırken yine squat egzersizi ve "bench press" egzersizi için hareket düzlemini sabit tutmak adına "smith machine" kullanılmıştır.…”