ABSTRACT
Chapter 11 describes how the level of competition affects strength and conditioning. The chapter is divided into discussion on how strength and conditioning changes at various levels (beginners, national-caliber athletes, and elite/professional athletes). For each level considerations that must be factored into a strength and conditioning program are described as well as how those considerations impact the program. Recommendations are provided on how to organize training and how training should progress for each level of competition.
The point has been made throughout this book that athletes that are competing at different levels are different from each other. They have different training experiences, are at different points in terms of their genetic potential, respond to exercise differently, have different strength and conditioning needs, and have very different competition schedules. All of these considerations should influence a strength and conditioning program. With this in mind, this chapter is going to describe strength and conditioning for beginners, national-caliber athletes, and elite/professional athletes.
