Scramblers do you need a little variety in your workout? Got a big competition coming soon? Sick of front squatting every session? (if you are not already you probably should be) When it comes to getting MMA fighters and Grapplers ready for action we employ a few common variations to try and get a little more out of them while keeping technical burden low especially when peaking requires so much from fighters. The key thing about peaking is aiming for higher velocities rather than high force. Give these variations a go. We perform most of this work for 3-4 sets of 6 reps at around 20-55% loading.
Sled/Prowler High Pull, we use this high pull variation for peaking for rapid hip action, no eccentric means its less stressful than snatch grip high pull work we use during out heavier lifting phases. We always try aim for fight-weight or more on this exercise.
Staggered Stance Zercher Good Morning, these kick your ass literally, require a huge degree of bracing which is rough on the core, plus it really targets the hamstring glute complex on the extended leg.
Depth drop clusters, currently a favourtie for peaking just as little as 20% of your 1 rep max is needed for high power outputs.
Kneeling Jump Clusters, the very springy Craig Powell doesn’t have more than one box at his regular gym so he performs kneeling jumps to box jumps, the kneeling start encourages quickness and the replicates a depth drop effect. More on that here.
Light French Contrast, (original method discussed here)this is a peaking variation we use in the springiest of our athletes. Once you have exhausted the options box jumps, depth drops and other methods offer you, you can look to employ this. Conventional french contrast asks for 80% loading, but for peaking we want very high velocities so we can look at much lighter loads.
This is an ongoing series of articles from guest blogger and Strength & Conditioning coach William Wayland of Powering Through, who works with UFC, Cagewarriors and other high level combat athletes based in Chelmsford, UK.