Strength and Speed Training Practices for Olympic Endurance Sports: Insights From World-Class Coaches

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Coaching Science

Background:

• Olympic endurance sports rely on integrated training strategies.
• Strength and speed training are recognized as crucial components for elite performance.
• Understanding current coaching practices is vital for optimizing athlete development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify commonalities and sport-specific differences in strength and speed training.
• To gain insights from world-class Norwegian coaches in Olympic endurance sports.
• To document current practices for injury prevention, work economy, and acceleration capacity.

Main Methods:

• A multiple case study design was employed.
• 12 successful Norwegian coaches across various endurance sports were interviewed.
• Data collection included questionnaires, training logs, and semi-structured interviews.

Main Results:

• Strength and speed training volumes ranged from 20-200 hours/year, varying by sport.
• Training intensity and volume were highest during preparation phases.
• Strength sessions involved 4-8 exercises, 2-4 sets, 5-10 reps; speed training exceeded 90% maximal velocity.

Conclusions:

• Strength and speed training are considered supportive, secondary to endurance development.
• Implementation often involves athletes or specialized staff.
• These findings provide a basis for future research on training effectiveness.