What is power in sports?

Power in sports is the ability to exert maximum force as quickly as possible, as in jumping, accelerating and throwing. While strength in sports is the maximum force an athlete can apply to a given load, power is proportional to the speed at which the force is applied.

As a main component of total fitness, power is crucial for success in sports such as boxing, baseball, football, and track and field. Power gives athletes the explosive ability to run faster and jump higher, and it can be improved by lifting weights, running against resistance and performing plyometric exercises such as depth jumps or medicine ball throws.