which of these exercises are better for football players? The bench press for higher load or the overhead press for more overall (core) strength but less load?
I train both bench and ohp, but I only can focus on one of them.
Bench press for linebackers. BAM! fight off those blocks, explosively push those offensive linemen off of you. Don’t let them put hands on you! Stay upright, face the play, horizontally, violently shove the big uglies off, and then make the tackle.
Overhead press for offensive linemen. Clean and push press even better. Get low, grab your man, get under him and blow him up! Thighs parallel, eyes to the sky, and DRIVE! Grab your man, lift him over your head, throw him aside and ELIMINATE him form the play!
Well, I do not really have an opinion on this topic, but consider this: the first real program for football players, Bill Starr 5x5, was all about the OHP. Maybe this wasn’t without a reason.