In sports, core strength not only can impact the athlete’s ability to move fast and change direction quickly, but the core vital to the ability to move efficiently and execute sports-specific skills. Core muscles are important for the athlete as they serve a base for endurance (1), posture, strength, power, coordination, and reducing likelihood of injury (Williams, 2011).
The “core” refers to the muscles that are involved in holding the torso in position; the abdominal, lower back, and hip muscles involved in positioning the spine and pelvis. Pelvic stability is the ability of the trunk and pelvic muscles to keep the spine and pelvis in its optimal position during sporting activity. If these structures are kept in an optimal alignment then the muscles and joints of the lower limbs are able to function efficiently (Williams, 2011). The muscles of the lumbo-pelvic hip complex play an important role in coordinating movement.
There are several exercises associated with improving core performance (Williams, 2011). Your own body weight can be used to perform sit-ups, crunches, and varying exercises to help core strength and muscular endurance. However, kettlebells, barbells, dumbbells, medicine balls, etc. are used to strengthen the core as well as prepare the core for powerful movements ((Williams, 2011). These exercises can be very effective, but should be used in proper context, such as with a certified strength coach.
Olympic lifts are great for the development of power, stability, and strength of the trunk. Even some static exercises, such as planks, can be useful, since the trunk’s main function in sport is to stabilize, not to flex or extend. (Romero-Franco, et al. 2012) Moreover, medicine ball throws can also be an effective training tool, especially for developing trunk power. An athlete can perform repetitions with heavier weighted balls, lighter weighted balls, and anything in between to create different training effects (Romero-Franco, et al. 2012).
Endurance and Posture (SEE LINK for Gibbons Athletes dong a Lunge) The erector spinae (which literally means spine stiffener) and the stabilizer muscles determine posture and back strength. Having a strong back can help improve your endurance. After-all, if the athlete’s back is tired, chances are there will be a noticeable change in posture which can reduce mechanical efficiency. Furthermore, improved posture allows the athlete stand taller, allowing a better chance to head high balls. Finally, to a much lesser extent, enhanced posture can improve kicking efficiency, making shots and passes more effective and precise.
Strength and Power: Several core muscles assist in generating powerful, explosive movement. Whether it’s for fighting off an opposing player, making that long rushed pass, or making that powerful kick to score, your core muscle play an important role.
Coordination: Core muscles aid in coordinating upper and lower body synchronous movement. This is important when volleying balls, adding precision to a pass while on one leg or using one arm, and even simply making the ball go where the player is intending.
Reducing Injury: A strong core is an essential part of overall strength and fitness which has obvious effects on reducing injury. The ilio-psoas muscles act as a messenger for the central nervous system. Other muscles of the core also support the spine which in turn improves spinal regulation of the nervous system. Strength in the hips and lower back can help prevent injuries to leg muscles which are the most predominate injuries in sports.
Training the core to be stronger, more powerful, and more stable is very essential in athletes in general. Traditional crunches may help improve strength in the core, but it takes true planning, programming, and progression to produce a more powerful, stable, and efficient core. A core that is ready to meet the demands placed upon the field, court, and on the track will perform best in competition.
Amer Nahhas, BS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, USAW
References:
- Chat Williams, M. J. (2011). Core Training. NSCA’s Performance Training Journal volume 10(5) , 1-29.
- Romero-Franco, N., Martínez-López, E., Lomas-Vega, R., Hita-Contreras, F., & Martínez-Amat, A. (2012). Effects of Proprioceptive Training Program on Core Stability and Center of Gravity Control in Sprinters. Journal of strength and conditioning volume 26(8) , 2071–2077.
