[trainchain]

Could you post the 4 laws of specificity for speed training here- thanks. In addition, it would be nice to see the references that you have that supports the logic of these four laws.

Sure, In the early 90's Dr. Digby Sale did a study that found for an exercise to increase speed it should meet the 4 laws of specificity.


1.Movement pattern must be exact or as similar as possible to the athletic motion involved. Movement pattern is simple to see. Pulling a rubber band is not as effective as the speed chain in strengthen one’s swing simply because the movement pattern is too disimilar. Rubber band resistance has a linear path, whereas swinging a golf club is a circular, rotational movement on many planes. Same thing with bench pressing or using weights.

2.Contraction velocity must be similar to the event. Velocity is easy to see. Turning with or throwing a medicine ball is very slow in comparison to the swinging of a golf club.
Also, weighted clubs do not meet this criteria simply becuase it cannot be swung fast. Another analogy would be why a sprinter does not train by running marathons.

3.Contraction force must be higher than the event. Force is difficult to measure without the use of high tech biomechanical equipment. But understanding that one needs to overload somewhat to get a strength benefit is logical. The problem arises when one overloads too much and velocity slows down, which in turn decreases the amount of force. This is also the problem with weighted clubs or weight lifting. The weight is so high that velocity cannot be attained.

4.Contraction type must be the same. Contraction type is extremely important since explosive movements use the stretch-shorten cycle. The stretch-shorten cycle is the
short, rapid stretching of the muscles prior to a forceful contraction and is present in all explosive movements. Proper weightlifting techniques discourage this type of contraction.

Kelvin Miyahira (my partner), who was quoted in post #1 invented the speed chain after 25 years of research into this field. Our speed chains defy the laws of gravity by creating a resistance
that moves and retains its resistance along any angle up or down, side-to-side, curved path, linear, or rotation that the human body can produce. This is essential for training the complex movements of a golf swing. Try obtaining that same type of resistance with a rubber band, isokinetic device, pulley system or free weights. Not possible.

Hope this gives you a better idea.

Thanks,

Z