Strength Training The Whys and Wherefores

Because of the physically demanding nature of sport, functional strength training is a vital component in your training. Not only do you need to be physically strong enough to execute the skills and techniques effectively and for extended periods of time, you need to be able to execute those techniques with good form without injury or detriment to your performance.
Functional strength is defined as the ability to perform normal movements, within normal ranges, with ease. Functional strength then is all about training the body to move efficiently, effectively and with power, through a full range of movement and in balance. Training to improve your functional strength should involve both body weight and held weights as the instruments of change.
If you want to develop a strong, hard body, you should not follow the example, or advice, of body builders. The body builder’s sole objective is to build huge muscles; this does not naturally translate into strong, resilient or flexible muscles. Strength training for sport will focus on high repetitions, mid-range to heavy weights and multiple stretching and flexibility sessions every week.
Kettlebells have proven to be one of the most effective tools you can use as the primary training tool and a well-designed workout with kettlebells will result in muscle hypertrophy (growth), strength endurance and will also deliver a very effective High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout.