High-Powered Plyometrics-3rd Edition

Cultivate strength, power, and speed for better athletic performance! High-Powered Plyometrics, Third Edition, provides the most systematic, comprehensive, and practical approach to explosive power training available.

In this third edition, James Radcliffe—head strength and conditioning coach at University of Oregon—applies over 50 years of research and experience to create a hands-on guide that explores the principles of high-intensity plyometric training, power assessments, and the development of long- and short-term conditioning programs. You’ll find detailed photo sequences, step-by-step instructions and coaching cues, and intensity guidelines to ensure correct technique for 85 exercises that increase power in the core, upper body, and lower body.

The third edition has been expanded to include over 90 preparatory exercises for power activation within a warmup and a new chapter on advanced methods of explosive power training. In addition, it offers more detailed guidance on assessments and how the results should shape programming.

You will also have access to six sample programs tailored to specific sports: football, basketball, track and field, volleyball, and more.

Go beyond basic conditioning and develop the explosive power that will give you an edge over the competition.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.

Audience

Sport performance coaches or personal trainers working with athletes, as well as dedicated high-level athletes looking to add plyometrics to their training.

Chapter 1. Power Prerequisite for High-Level Performance
Chapter 2. Athletic Power Activation Process
Chapter 3. Power Training Principles
Chapter 4. Power Assessments
Chapter 5. Upper-Body Power Development
Chapter 6. Core Power Development
Chapter 7. Lower-Body Power Development
Chapter 8. Complex Training
Chapter 9. Advanced Methods of Explosive Power Training
Chapter 10. Individualizing Power Training
Chapter 11. Power Training Periodization

James Radcliffe has served as strength and conditioning coach for the University of Oregon for 40 years. He has coached Olympians and world championship medalists, and from 2016 to 2019 he worked with USA Hockey for the U.S. women’s gold-medal-winning team.

Radcliffe has guided athletes in football, basketball, track and field, baseball, volleyball, tennis, golf, gymnastics, acrobatics and tumbling, and cycling during his career. He is a noted authority on exercises dealing with the improvement of speed and quickness.

Radcliffe has taught and coached a variety of sports. He was the athletic trainer at Aloha High School from 1978 to 1983. He then did graduate studies at Colorado and worked in private business before joining the Oregon Ducks staff. Before graduating from Pacific University in Oregon with a degree in physical education and health in 1980, he played four seasons as a defensive back and was captain of the special teams. Radcliffe earned his master’s degree in biomechanics and motor behavior from the University of Oregon.

Active in national organizations surrounding his profession, Radcliffe has been certified by USA Weightlifting, the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He also has written books, been published in numerous professional journals, and produced videos on plyometrics. He has presented internationally on the development of athleticism.

“A masterful book by a pioneer in the field of human performance. A great blend of theory and practice reflecting Jimmy’s years of experience. A must for every coach’s library.”
—Vern Gambetta, Author of Athletic Development and Founder of the GAIN Network

“High-Powered Plyometrics is an example of why Coach Radcliffe continues to be one of the world’s finest strength and conditioning coaches. The success of his athletes—across the entire spectrum of sports, events, genders, and body types—is unmatched.”
—Curtis Taylor, Associate Head Coach for Sprints and Hurdles at the University of Oregon

“Jim Radcliffe was instrumental in helping our team become quicker and more explosive. Jim is able to take his knowledge and simplify the teaching process, which may be his greatest gift!”
—Robb Stauber, Head Coach of the Gold Medal–Winning Women’s Ice Hockey Team (2018)

“Jim Radcliffe is one of the most respected, knowledgeable experts in the field of strength and conditioning training. His High-Powered Plyometrics books are nothing short of brilliant and a must-have for every coach and athlete.”
—Rose Monday, National Chair of Women’s Track & Field for USA Track and Field, Women’s Head Coach for the 2020 Olympic Games, Three-Time Team USA Olympic Coach (2012, 2016, and 2020), and Personal Coach of Athletes in the World Championships and Olympic Games

Plyometric Bounds and Skips
Power Training Principles: Form and Execution
Warmup, or Preparatory Rehearsal for Power Training