Upper Body Explosive & Shoulder Stability
(Week 13, Power Sprint Program)Day Overview
This day enhances explosive upper body power and shoulder stability, critical for football performance. Heavy pressing and pulling are combined with stability exercises to bulletproof shoulders and improve fast-twitch muscle recruitment.
Exercises
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• Log Clean and Press
The Log Clean and Press is a compound movement primarily used in strongman training. The exercise begins with the athlete lifting a large, cylindrical log-shaped implement from the ground to the shoulders in a clean motion, which involves a powerful hip hinge and shrug to elevate the log. The athlete then presses the log overhead by extending the arms, engaging the shoulders, triceps, and core for stability. Proper form involves keeping the back straight during the lift, using the legs to generate power during the clean, and pressing in a controlled manner without overarching the lower back. This exercise targets the shoulders, triceps, upper chest, and core, while also engaging the legs and back during the clean phase.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 8 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on explosive lift and controlled overhead press to develop power and shoulder resilience. Use a manageable weight to prioritize form and speed.
Working Sets:
4
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• Bent-Over Barbell Rows
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell with an overhand grip. Bend at the hips while keeping your back flat and core engaged, allowing the barbell to hang at arm's length. Pull the barbell towards your lower chest or upper abdomen by squeezing your back muscles, keeping elbows close to your body. Lower the barbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Maintain a slight bend in the knees and avoid rounding your back throughout the movement. Keep your head in line with your spine and avoid using momentum to lift the weight.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 8. Emphasize scapular retraction and posterior chain engagement to support shoulder health and pulling strength.
Working Sets:
4
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• Flat Dumbbell Press
Lie flat on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, held at chest level with palms facing forward. Keep your feet flat on the ground and engage your core. Press the dumbbells upward until your arms are fully extended, ensuring the weights stay in line with your chest. Lower the dumbbells slowly back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout. Keep your elbows at about a 75-degree angle during the movement to reduce shoulder strain. Maintain a neutral spine and avoid arching your back excessively.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on controlled, explosive pressing to build hypertrophy and shoulder stability.
Working Sets:
4
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• face pull
cable face pull with external rotation
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 4 sets of 12-15 reps with an RPE of 7-8. Reinforce rotator cuff health and scapular stability.
Working Sets:
4
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• Dumbbell Side Lateral Raise
To perform the Dumbbell Side Lateral Raise, start by standing upright with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain a slight bend in your elbows. Engage your core and ensure your back is straight. Slowly raise the dumbbells out to the sides until your arms are parallel to the ground, keeping your elbows slightly bent. Hold for a moment at the top of the movement, then lower the weights back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Avoid swinging the weights and focus on using your shoulder muscles to lift.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8. Focus on controlled movement to support shoulder hypertrophy and bulletproofing.
Working Sets:
3
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• Back Extension
Perform a back extension to strengthen the lower back and glutes.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps with an RPE of 8. Strengthen posterior chain for overall athleticism.
Working Sets:
3
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• Ab Wheel Rollout
Kneel holding ab wheel, roll forward extending body, roll back contracting abs.
Prescribed Sets:
Perform 3 sets of 8-10 reps with an RPE of 8. Engage core and shoulder stabilizers for functional strength.
Working Sets:
3
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• Plank
Hold a plank position on your forearms to engage the core muscles.
Prescribed Sets:
Hold for 30-45 seconds per set, focusing on core stability and shoulder engagement to support explosive movements.
Working Sets:
3