Sport Science
Power Output
Power output is the rate at which work is performed, calculated as force multiplied by velocity. In practical terms, it is the combination of how much force an athlete can produce and how quickly they can produce it. Power is measured in watts. It is the physical quality most directly associated with athletic performance in explosive sports because most sport actions, including jumping, sprinting, throwing, and changing direction, require producing large forces in very short time windows.
Why power is distinct from strength
Strength is the maximum force an athlete can produce, regardless of how long it takes. Power is force produced quickly. A very strong athlete who moves slowly may have a high 1RM but low peak power output. A lighter athlete who moves explosively may produce more power despite a lower absolute load capacity. This distinction matters enormously for sport performance and for programming: heavy strength training builds the force side of the power equation, while plyometrics, Olympic lifts, and velocity-based training develop the velocity side. Both are required for maximal power development.
How it is measured and tracked
Force plates are the most accurate tool for measuring power output, capturing peak power, average power, and the rate of power development across a movement. VBT systems estimate power output from bar velocity and known load during barbell exercises. Jump testing, particularly the countermovement jump, provides a reliable field measure of lower body power that can be tracked over time without expensive equipment. Coaches who track power output over a training block have direct evidence of whether the program is producing the intended adaptation.
Related terms
RFD (Rate of Force Development) · Force Plate · VBT (Velocity-Based Training) · Force-Velocity Profiling · CMJ (Countermovement Jump)