Dynamic Correspondence

Dynamic Correspondence is a concept developed by Russian sports scientist Yuri Verkhoshansky. It focuses on the idea that training patterns should be highly specific to the movements and physical demands of the sport for which an athlete is preparing. The principle is rooted in the belief that the best way to improve performance in a particular sport is to closely mimic the sport’s movements, speeds, and muscular patterns during training.

The 5 Criteria of Dynamic Correspondence:
1. Accentuated Region & Specificity of Joint Actions:

• The movement should replicate the specific joint actions involved in the sport. This includes the direction of movement & the range of motion used during the sport-specific skills.
  
  

2. Effort of the Motor Pattern (Magnitude of Force Production & Velocity of Movement):

• The amount of force produced in the training movement should match or exceed the force required in the sport. This ensures that the muscles are conditioned to handle the demands of the sport.
  
  

3. Rate & Time of Force Production:

• The speed at which force is produced (rate of force development) in the training movement should correspond to the sport-specific actions. The timing of force application should also be similar to ensure optimal neuromuscular coordination.
  
  

4. Amplitude & Direction of Movement:

• The movement’s amplitude (range of motion) & direction should be identical or very similar to those in the sport. This ensures that the athlete develops physical characteristics in the same patterns they will use in competition.
  
  

5. Regime of Muscular Work:

• The type of muscle contraction (isometric, concentric, eccentric) and the sequence of muscle activations should replicate the sport’s requirements.
  
  

By adhering to these requirements, coaches and athletes can design training programs that maximize the transferability of training effects to actual sports performance, enhancing both effectiveness and efficiency. It’s important to note, specificity is only one ingredient in the training process. Movements do not have to strictly following all the criteria of Dynamic Correspondence, depending on the individual and time of year, there will be a blend of general and specific patterns. 
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