DeFranco uses bench variations to build upon weak links of the bench which most skinny bastards have. Especially in the triceps. I have had good results from using db presses for 6-8 sets of 3-5 reps in place of the usual ME bench.
If your off season strength program results transfer to the field or the mat, you have built upon your functional strength.
I have had very strong farm boys come into the gym thinking they were going to impress someone and I could bury them in a short time. I call this lack of “controlled” strength because they are not used to a controlled lifting environment. Likewise, I can take a bodybuilder and put them to work with one of the farm boys and they would get their ass kicked! You have to have both to be the best you can be as an athlete.
