Influence of different strength and power dimensions on success in throwing disciplines

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the influence of some strength and power dimensions on success in athletic throwing disciplines. Methods The research was performed on a sample of kinesiology students (n = 38). The sample of variables was derived from 12 tests for evaluating power and strength, and three tests for evaluating athletic achievements in throwing (discus, javelin and shot put). Testing included bench press, deadlift, pull-ups, standing long jump, Sargent jump test, triple jump, and 5-, 10-, and 20-metre sprints. Results The indicator values of metric characteristics show that the applied motor tests, such as the standing long jump (ICC = 0.91) and the 5-metre sprint (ICC = 0.86), exhibited high reliability, good homogeneity, and a normal data distribution. The impact of the predictor variables on success in throwing disciplines was determined using classical regression analysis. For the shot put, strength significantly influenced performance in the early learning stages, with a β coefficient of 0.44 (p = 0.03) during initial measurements, increasing to 0.55 (p < 0.01) in the final phase. In contrast, power became more relevant in the later stages for javelin (β = –0.31, p < 0.05) and discus throwing (β = 0.49, p < 0.01), underscoring the evolving importance of explosive power in these disciplines as athletes refine their techniques. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of tailored training protocols that address the unique demands of each discipline, providing valuable guidance for coaches and athletes in optimising throwing performance.