Why Explosive Training Matters (Whether You’re 16 or 60)
Strength Made Simple Blog – Bedford Strength & Conditioning
When people think about strength training, they usually picture slow, controlled lifts.
Squats.
Deadlifts.
Presses.
All important — but they’re only part of the picture.
There’s another quality that often gets ignored… and it’s one of the most important for both sporting performance and long-term health:
👉 Explosiveness.
Jumping.
Throwing.
Accelerating.
Moving with intent.
At Strength Made Simple, we train explosive qualities for two very different groups — young athletes and adults training for longevity — and for very good reasons.
Let’s break down why it matters, how it should be trained, and how we do it safely and effectively.
⚡ What Is Explosive Training?
Explosive training focuses on producing force quickly.
It includes things like:
Jumps and hops
Medicine ball throws
Short accelerations
Olympic-lift derivatives
Fast intent movements with lighter loads
It’s not about max weight — it’s about speed, coordination, and intent.
🏉 Why Explosive Training Is Essential for Young Athletes
Sport happens fast.
Sprinting.
Jumping.
Changing direction.
Reacting to opponents.
Explosive training helps young athletes:
Sprint faster
Jump higher
Hit harder
Change direction more efficiently
Improve coordination and athleticism
Reduce injury risk by teaching force absorption and control
It also builds confidence.
When an athlete feels powerful, it shows in their performance.
The key point:
Young athletes don’t just need strength — they need to learn how to use that strength quickly.
🧬 Why Explosive Training Matters for Longevity
This is where most people are surprised.
Explosiveness isn’t just for athletes — it’s a key marker of healthy ageing.
As we get older, the speed at which we can produce force declines faster than strength itself.
That affects:
Catching yourself if you trip
Getting up from the floor
Reacting quickly to slips
Preventing falls
Maintaining independence
Training explosiveness helps:
Preserve fast-twitch muscle fibres
Improve balance and coordination
Maintain bone density
Reduce fall risk
Keep movement sharp and confident
In short: power keeps you capable.
🧠 Doing Explosive Training the Right Way Matters
Explosive training done badly can be risky.
That’s why:
Technique matters
Progressions matter
Volume matters
Context matters
Jumping into max-effort plyometrics without preparation is a bad idea — especially for beginners or older adults.
At Strength Made Simple, explosive work is earned, not forced.
🛠️ How We Safely Build Explosiveness at Strength Made Simple
We follow a clear progression:
1️⃣ Build Strength First
You need a base. Strong legs, hips, and core protect joints and improve force production.
2️⃣ Teach Landing and Control
Before jumping high or far, we teach how to land properly and absorb force.
3️⃣ Start Simple
Low-level hops, medicine ball throws, fast bodyweight movements.
4️⃣ Progress Gradually
As confidence and ability improve, intensity increases — always within safe limits.
5️⃣ Match Training to the Person
Young athlete? Higher intensity, sport-specific.
Training for longevity? Lower impact, higher control, same intent.
Different people. Same principles.
🔄 How to Include Explosive Training in Your Programme
You don’t need loads.
A little goes a long way.
Explosive work is best:
Early in the session
When you’re fresh
Done with focus and intent
Low fatigue, high quality
This is why coaching matters — it’s not just what you do, but when and how you do it.
🧩 The Strength Made Simple Philosophy
We don’t believe explosive training is optional.
We believe it’s:
Essential for athletes
Essential for longevity
Essential for confidence
Essential for staying capable
But it must be:
Appropriate
Progressive
Well-coached
Individualised
That’s how you get the benefits — without unnecessary risk.
🚀 The Takeaway
Strength builds the engine.
Explosiveness teaches you how to use it.
Whether you’re a young athlete chasing performance or an adult training to stay strong, sharp, and independent — power training belongs in your programme.
And when it’s coached properly, it’s one of the most enjoyable and empowering parts of training.
💬 Want to Train With Purpose?
At Strength Made Simple, we help:
Young athletes become faster, stronger, and more confident
Adults build power, resilience, and long-term health
All through smart, progressive strength and conditioning.
👉 Book a free consultation and let’s build a programme that keeps you powerful — for sport and for life.