Knowledge and understanding - Physical factorsPower

Power, sometimes known as explosive strength, is the ability to use strength at speed. For effective power muscle contraction happens at high speed.

Positive impact

In basketball, a player with good leg power can jump much higher to get closer to the basket and this gives them a much better chance of scoring a basket.

A 50 m swimmer with good power will push much further away from the blocks at the start which means they travel further before entering the water. This will give them a slight advantage at the start of the race and immediately put pressure on their opponents in such a short event.

In badminton, a player with good arm power will be able to play a smash shot and make the shuttle travel much faster through the air. This speed makes it much more difficult to return and gives the player a better chance of earning a point.

Negative impact

In shot put, a lack of power in the throwing arm means that your arm extension in the push is not as fast or as effective. This will result in a shorter throw and less chance of winning an event.

In volleyball, a lack of leg power means a player cannot jump as high to get their arms as high above the net as possible. This means their block is not as effective and much easier for the attacker to get over or past with their spike.

In football, a player taking a free kick with a lack of power in the kicking leg will not make the ball move as fast through the air. This means the goalkeeper will have slightly more time to react and move to the flight of the ball, and have a better chance of making a save.