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Types of Strength in PE

Aug 11, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains the five main types of strength in physical education, their characteristics, and how they differ in terms of movement, force, and repetition.

Types of Strength

  • Static Strength: Force applied without movement (e.g., holding a rugby scrum position or trying to lift an immovable bar).
  • Maximal Strength: The greatest voluntary force in a single contraction, may involve movement (e.g., one-rep max in weightlifting).
  • Strength Endurance: Ability to sustain or repeat muscle contractions over time (e.g., rowing for several minutes).
  • Dynamic Strength: Force applied with movement, includes both strength endurance and max strength activities.
  • Elastic/Explosive Strength: Fast, powerful contractions over a short period (e.g., sprint starts, jumping for rebounds).

Comparing Strength Types

  • Rate of Contraction:
    • Static and max have a lower rate.
    • Endurance is higher due to repetition.
    • Dynamic is movement-based.
    • Elastic is the highest due to rapid contractions.
  • Force of Contraction:
    • Endurance produces the lowest force.
    • Dynamic and elastic are moderate.
    • Static is higher.
    • Maximal is the greatest force.
  • Number of Repeated Contractions:
    • Max and static have the fewest repetitions.
    • Elastic and dynamic are moderate.
    • Endurance has the most repetitions.

Application to Activities

  • The type of strength needed depends on the activity's requirement for contraction rate, force, and repetition.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Static Strength — Force applied by muscles with no movement (isometric).
  • Maximal Strength — Maximum force produced in a single voluntary contraction.
  • Strength Endurance — Ability to sustain/repeat contractions over time.
  • Dynamic Strength — Force applied through movement.
  • Elastic/Explosive Strength — Rapid and forceful contractions, closely related to power.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review examples for each strength type in your textbook.
  • Complete the classification exercise discussed in the lecture: arrange the types of strength by force, rate, and number of contractions.