This is from RDC's most recent newsletter and I think it's worth reading
for most of us trying to increase our strength.
* Begin quotation from RDC *
Form, style and technique are everything.
Only in the world of powerlifting, when one is asked how to improve
one's lifts, are we encouraged to try this new routine, or asked, "What
is your routine?" If I was a baseball player, I might ask what technique
do you use to swing the bat, increase bat speed or shorten the distance
the bat travels? I would not ask what routine you use to become a better
hitter. If I was a football player, I might ask what technique should I
use to throw the ball more accurate or faster/harder? Surely I would not
ask what routine would I use to accomplish it.
If I was a shot-putter, I would surely ask what form and style do you
use to throw the shot 50-60 foot or more, not what routine did you use
to accomplish the feat. So why in powerlifting is the first thing asked
and the first thing offered is a routine? We don't ask how do we
accomplish the lift the best way possible. The strongest do not always
win. Instead, the best prepared and the ones who perform the lifts
flawlessly are the ones who win. It is a goal orientated and a
performance orientated sport like all others, so form, style and
technique should be the first thing on the athlete's mind, as well as
the first thing on his agenda when trying to improve his lifts, i.e. his
max single.
I believe the reason we do not focus on form is that we have been
influenced by our brother sport, bodybuilding, and its results
orientated status. It has a big influence because of its popularity in
magazines and books aimed at bodybuilders. It is, however, a different
sport and has different goals and needs. We should not confuse the two,
and allow it to get in the way of our goal as a powerlifter. Our goal is
to become not only stronger, but in how to display that strength in the
most productive way, i.e. a big single max lift.
* End quotation from RDC *
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