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Notice: The NSCA website is scheduled to undergo system maintenance from 12:00 AM - 2:30 AM EST. During this time, there may be short service interruptions across the site and some parts of the site may not be accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience while we work to improve the website experience and security.
Planning and designing training programs for a new group of athletes (e.g., a new recruiting class or a new coaching job) can be problematic without a base level understanding of the athletes’ current skill levels. This article describes one system that can be used to determine an athlete's self-confidence on different exercises.
CoachesExercise ScienceProgram designstrength trainingstrength and conditioningprogram designself-confidenceSports Psychologyhs-coaching
Strength and conditioning coaches should strive to teach athletes in a way they can understand: by hearing, seeing, and practicing. This article describes some techniques that a coach can use to accomplish this.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designyouth athletic trainingyouth athletesmotivational toolsYouth training guidelineshow to motivate childrenhs-coaching
This NSCA Coach article summarizes key findings on coach-focused strategies to help educators use resistance training to support healthy youth development. Visit NSCA online to read more on mental health and youth sports.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentExercise and Self-Esteem ModelExercise InterventionSchool EducatorsStrength and Conditioning CoachesSelf-EsteemExercise TechniqueLTADMental HealthSchool-Based Exercise
An appropriately designed program with elements of safe resistance training that focuses on the upper back and external shoulder rotators and open agility technique training may improve agility on the pickleball court, decrease the injury risk of older pickleball players, and increase the self-confidence of these individuals on the court and in daily life.
Personal trainersExercise TechniqueProgram designelderlyolder adultspickleball
Tactical facilitators are especially well-positioned to integrate mental skills training that may develop more complete tactical athletes who are prepared for dangerous environments. This article offers recommendations for mental skills training based on reported views from a tactical population.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designMental Skills TrainingTactical Strength and ConditioningTSACCombat Instructors
Similarities and overlaps exist between the realm of sport psychology and the profession of strength and conditioning coaching. This article provides a basic introduction to sport psychology and provides some guidance for preliminary directions; ideally, it will help strength and conditioning coaches find effective people and resources to help them in their coaching pursuits.
CoachesExercise ScienceNSCA CoachIntroduction to Sport PsychologySport Psychologymental trainingstrength and conditioning
This article discusses current tactical and youth training literature into a 16-week JROTC strength and conditioning model for high school students. Visit NSCA online to learn more about athletic performance.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentMesocycleStrength TrainingInjury PreventionMilitary TrainingHigh School AthleticsOccupational PerformanceArmy Fitness Test (AFT)ROTCHolistic Health and Fitness (H2F)
This Personal Training Quarterly article explores the science behind strength training’s effects on mental health and strategies for integrating wellness programming. Visit NSCA online to read more on fitness news and exercise research.
Exercise ScienceProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentEmotional Well-beingStress RegulationCognitive FunctionAnxiety and DepressionNeuroplasticityMental HealthStrength Training
Much in the same way that a single movement or a single workout does not make or break a training cycle, the same holds true for mental skills. The challenge is that the strength and conditioning coach will likely need to reach out to another professional trained in sport psychology to help establish the plan and construct the appropriate interventions.