Is training to failure a safe and effective method for improving athletic performance?

I think it is effective when posture isn’t a huge issue. While I don’t believe that there is a huge benefit of the last few reps that make you fail that some do. I believe (anecdotally) there is a physiological benefit and a very big psychological benefit. There are times on the field or court that you feel like you can’t keep going, but you’ve done it when training so you know that you can. If posture and stabilizer muscles are a big issue with the exercise then I believe you should end before failure so your muscles remember the good posture.