to perform a straight right to the head, maximally fast and powerful. The results of this study are illustrated in Table 1 where it can be noted that elite level boxers predominately generate force from the leg musculature, whereas lower ranked boxers generate the majority of force from the trunk and arms. This finding is corroborated by data acquired by Verkhoshansky (101) who showed that with mastery in the shot put, which may be considered biomechanically similar to a straight punch, the emphasis gradually shifts from the shoulder to the leg musculature. This investigation revealed that for beginners, the correlation between athletic achievements and strength of the arm muscles is 0.83 and with leg strength is 0.37. For highly qualified athletes, however, the correlations were 0.73 and 0.87, respectively.As illustrated in Figures 4-7, Triple extensions movements are also required for kicking, kneeing, and elbowing. The development of this synchronization and use of triple extension-based exercises may therefore be considered essential to the generation of force within Muay Thai. Weightlifting and the associated lifts are often hypothesized to provide an appropriate stimulus for motor skills requiring triple extension (52,59,61,93). Moreover, the second pull position (Figure 8) provides a biomechanical comparison with the punching start position; therefore, sport specificity can be further gained by commencing lifts from this position.To further facilitate the development of optimal synchronization patterns within the kinetic chain, and assist in the carryover of triple extension-based exercises to Muay Thai techniques, a derivative of complex training, termed carry-over training, is recommended (see 25,27 for a review of complex training). In this context, however, the objective is not the potentiation of force (although this may be an outcome) but rather the carryover of neuromuscular stimulus/firing sequence. For example, an athlete may perform a set of power snatches (often from the second pull/hang), followed by performing straight punches to the bag during the rest period. The athlete is encouraged to visualize the carryover and draw comparisons with the 2 forms of triple extension and in effect, regard the punch as synonymous with the power snatch. It is important to only perform a few punches (usually 3 per arm) and ensure the emphasis lies with power generation with enough rest between reps to minimize fatigue. It is hypothesized that this will assist in neural development and carryover, ultimately facilitating an increase in force production when striking. This form of carryover training is currently being tested within our laboratory to provide an objective assessment of its validity.REACTIVE STRENGTHReactive strength, which describes the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) capabilities of an athlete, may also be considered fundamental to force generation within Muay Thai. It is well documented that efficient SSC mechanics result in enhanced propulsive forces (11,14,15) and conservation of energy (12,100,102), and this therefore suggests that within martial arts, this may translate into enhanced power and power endurance of striking. As an example, double kicks or consecutive knees to an opponent require that after each strike, the leg is quickly driven back down into the ground and then quickly driven back up toward the opponent. In addition,