The Relation Between Field Tests and Novice Success in Olympic-Style Weightlifting

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

3-2011

Publication Title

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

DOI

10.1097/01.JSC.0000395751.26417.f1

Abstract

The international success of United States Olympic Weightlifting (USAW) has decreased over the last several decades. There has been a dearth of research and information aimed at increasing the talent base of adolescents who participate in Olympic-style Weightlifting (OL). One reason for this lack of information is the difficulty identifying individuals predisposed to success in OL. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between several common field tests and novice OL success with the goal of identifying tools that might highlight potential OL talent. METHODS: Boys (n = 16) and girls (n = 2) ages 12–15 years with no prior history of OL experience completed four field tests prior to beginning a 12–week OL program. The field tests chosen, based on specificity to the sport and convenience of testing procedures, were: (1) vertical jump (VJ), (2) sit-ups, (3) sprint, and (4) chess pass (CP). OL performance was assessed on 1 RM lifts in the snatch and the clean-and-jerk following the completion the 12-week training program. Eight Pearson Correlation Coefficients were used to indicate whether there was a relationship between the field tests and OL performance. RESULTS: Significant moderate relationships were revealed between the VJ and CP for both the snatch (VJ: r = 0.51, p = 0.03; CP: r = 0.52, p = 0.03) and clean-and-jerk (VJ: r = 0.5, p = 0.04; CP: r = 0.62, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: VJ and CP performance in adolescents may predict novice success in OL. In addition, these findings suggest those interested in promoting USAW, the sport of OL, and the prevalent use of these high-speed lifts consider these specific field tests as potential indicators of initial success. Further research is recommended on the efficacy of these tests in the prediction of long-term OL success. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Strength and conditioning specialists and OL coaches often recognize the importance of the early identification of talent in these complex, high-speed lifts. Using the VJ and CP in an initial battery of pre-screening performance tests may facilitate this identification.

Comments

Copyright © 2011 by the National Strength & Conditioning Association.

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