Which of the following repetition ranges and intensities would be the most efficacious for a tactical athlete seeking to develop muscular strength?

The optimal development of muscular strength is best achieved through training that emphasizes lower repetition ranges combined with higher percentages of one-repetition maximum (1RM). The selected range of 1-6 repetitions at intensities of 80-85% of 1RM effectively elicits maximal force production, which is critical for strength gains.

When performing exercises within this range, the neuromuscular system is heavily engaged, promoting not only muscle fiber recruitment but also adaptations such as increased cross-sectional area of muscle fibers and enhanced neural efficiency. This intensity promotes significant overload, which is necessary for stimulating the body's strength adaptations.

In contrast, other repetition ranges with lower intensities are less effective for developing maximum strength since they often target endurance or hypertrophy more than strength itself. Hence, utilizing a repetition scheme centered around lower reps and higher loads directly aligns with the physiological mechanisms that underpin strength improvement, making it the most efficacious choice for tactical athletes focused on enhancing their muscular strength.