How long to build strength?

I wonder if the new head coach is planning on using HIT training. To me it sounds that way with out having any specific info.

JD

High Intensity Training is essentially a bodybuilder program. Basically what you do is 1 set of each exercise for very high repetitions. I also believe that HIT involves quite a bit more volume than a BFS or Westside-style program.

The problem that most people have with HIT is that it basically induces the wrong kind of hypertrophy. Using a HIT program, muscles WILL get bigger, but they won't necessarily be stronger.

HIT concepts might be beneficial to youngsters, but athletes need to lift heavy weights if they want to be big, strong, and powerful.

Yes, that is a concern. I like the Westside approach because of the CNS development from ME. I figure some of the auxillary lifts that also occur on ME day can be reduced if needed.

On a related topic, I did read about about Russian "complex" training which is different from Russian "conjugate" system that the Westside system is built on. If I understood it correctly, the "complex" method involves alternating sets with heavy weights (near max or fatigue) with sets with lighter weights, all in the same workout. There are different ways that people do it ranging from alternating heavy and light while some start at a near max and working their way down to a very light weight.

I've also read - at the strength coaching site that someone here recommended - that doing plyos between lifts can also increase gains.

Is anyone familar with this?

My opinion is that it is never too late to gain some sort of strength. Where I'm located and the size of the school, we don't have the luxury of certain athletes to be in the weight room year round because after football they go straight to basketball, then straight into baseball/track. So by the time I get them in the weight room it's early to mid June and this is when I try to get them geared for football strength, which will be about 10 weeks that I have them. We will go 3X a week and focus on building up strength along with explosiveness(hang clean, push press). I do not try to focus on doing too much because in the cycle I'm given and the window of opportunity is limited. I do what I can with what I got and I go with it. Not only this, but we will do SAQ 2X per week as well and these are on the days of lifting.

I have had success with these kids simply because at this age they are constantly growing and changing and their bodies do recover quickly from a workout. They know what I expect and they give it to me. Yes, there are athletes who are in the weight room more year round and the workouts for them will have to be tailored to fit their needs. With them, I sometimes have a good 3 cycles to work with and naturally they are stronger and more explosive because of it.

10 weeks is plenty of time to work with to gain strength. Heck, even 6 weeks is time to gain some strength. We continue to lift in season, so these kids will continue to see the benefits although not the same as someone who has been in for 15/16 weeks.