Austin Cooper Liberty University EXSC 541
GUIDED ARTICLE CRITIQUE 2
Understanding Change of Direction Ability in Sport: A Review of Resistance Training Studies
A. Background
Change of Direction in sport is obviously important and even more so how to
attain peak change of direction. The association of chage of direction also has a direct
coorilation with power , speed and agility. The article intends to review the validity of
strength and power training on the outcome of change of direction.
Change of direction is essentially the definition of agility. Without the presents of
power and strength, particulatly in the lower half of the body; there is no inconceivable
way that an athlete could reach peak power and thusly, elite change in direction, speed
and agility. The question at hand is always, how to develop peak performance on the field
and in general. The training methods to get this optimal performance are mixed at best
and include different theories on how muscle fibers react to specific types of training
when translating to change of direction and agility.(Marcovic G, 2007) These include
things such as plyometrics, strength training, powerlifting and straight on sprint training;
in which the article investigates the plausinbility and use of each method, either
combined or on a individual basis.
Austin Cooper Liberty University EXSC 541
Summary:
When training change of direction I think the obvious would be to said that in order to
improve change of direction ability and performance , would be train in the way you would want
to improve; as stated within the SAID principle, and one should have an adventgageous
adaptation and response. The article in conclusion , does indeed hit on this fact on their findings
that COD drills do improve the overall COD action. These actions would include lateral
movements and linear movements combined, such as the use of an agility ladder and cone drills.
When we further look into the relevancy of the article in regards to COD. It is easy to say
that the ability to develop power and strength in the legs is crucial to the development of
increased COD. Compound movements and exercises on both the bilateral and unilateral level,
would help increase strength and power in the legs therefore increasing the bodies ability to
sprint faster, jump higher and move at greater veleocities. Traditional strength training methods,
such as single joint exercises (leg extension, leg flexion etc.) (Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA,
Cooper JJ, 2005) would help develop fundamental strength in the prime mover muscles, such as
quadraceps and hamstrings. However, the true development would come from a cross between
that and compound multijoint movements, such as squats, cleans and deadlift to really develop a
strong base. (Tricoli VA, Lamas L, Carnevale R, 2005)
The article mentions that traiditonal methods, as mentioned above; have failed to improve
change of direction performance. With limited studies on the subject it is hard to discern why,
however the theory is that this failure is due to the commonality in the design of these exercises,
Austin Cooper Liberty University EXSC 541
which include bilateral movements in the vertical direction. Conversely, COD movements occur
unilaterally in the vertical-horizontal and/or lateral direction, and require anterior-posterior
(breaking and propulsive) and mediolateral force production. With that being said, developing a
program that works on these movements in alternated planes and movements, one should see an
improvement in COD. This could quite simply mean incorporating COD direction drills within
the athletes overall training program, with the idea of in order to improve in an area is to train
that specific area. “Improvements in COD performance seem better accomplished with the
following types of exercise and training: general COD training, sport-specific COD training,
jump squat training, unilateral and bilateral horizontal jump training.”( Brughelli M, Cronin J,
Levin G, Chaouachi, 2008)
Conclusion:
As stated the article points out that the best way to improve agility or COD is to
specifically train that way, coupled with exercise that strengthens the lower half to improve
power output which would greatly help with stability when stopping, core strength and the
ability to stop and start on command. The use of unilateral , horizonatal , closed chain
movements is the single best way to improve COD.( Brughelli M, Cronin J, Levin G, Chaouachi,
2008) The atheltes ability to incorporate these into a program would be the most efficient way to
boost performance in this area.
Austin Cooper Liberty University EXSC 541
Works Cited
Brughelli M, Cronin J, Levin G, Chaouachi A. Understanding change of direction ability
in sport: A review of resistance training studies. Sports Medicine. 2008;38(12):1045-63.
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com
%2Fscholarly-journals%2Funderstanding-change-direction-ability-sport%2Fdocview
%2F229656965%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12085.
Tricoli VA, Lamas L, Carnevale R, et al. Short-term effects on lower-body functional
power development: weightlifting vs vertical jump training programs. J Strength Cond
Res 2005; 19 (2): 433-7
Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Cooper JJ, et al. Comparison of loaded and unloaded jump
squat training on strength/-power performance in college football players. J Strength
Cond Res 2005; 19 (4): 810-5
Malisoux L, Francaux M, Nielens H, et al. Stretch-shortening cycle exercises: an
effective training paradigm to enhance power output of human single muscle fibers. J
Appl Physiol 2006; 100 (3): 771-9
Markovic G, Jukic I, Milanovic D, et al. Effects of sprint and plyometric training on
muscle function and athletic performance. J Strength Cond Res 2007; 21 (2): 543-9
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