As Director of Sport Science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Heather Farmer spearheads comprehensive integration efforts. This includes ensuring every stakeholder, from sport performance staff to academic advisors, has a seat at the table. Farmer also outlines developing an internship and graduate assistantship program to meet staffing needs and offer opportunities for practical experience. She recounts how leveraging relationships — not data — has been her key to scalability. Additionally, Farmer recognizes that to make an impact, she must meet athletes and sport coaches where they are, which she uncovers through “highlights” and “hurdles.” She suggests that sport scientists with strength and conditioning backgrounds, like herself, are uniquely equipped to excel due to their communication skills. Farmer and McMahon also discuss avoiding “analysis paralysis” and how to incorporate data to elevate the student-athlete experience — an unignorable factor as athletes bring an element of “self” in the age of name, image and likeness (NIL).
Reach out to Heather by email at: heather.farmer@unlv.edu | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs or LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
This article in TSAC Report 76, explores fitness testing methods in military training spaces. Visit NSCA online to read more on tactical populations, and performance training
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyEmergency ProceduresProfessional DevelopmentPerformance ScreeningMilitary TrainingInjury MitigationMusculoskeletal InjuryForce Plate TechnologiesFunctional Movement ScreeningFitness Test
This article seeks to provide insight on a training method based around prescribing small amounts of training to achieve a large amount of physical improvements.
CoachesProgram designTesting and EvaluationNeeds AnalysisTestingBasketball
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyEmergency ProceduresLegal IssuesBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentMental HealthMusculoskeletal HeathRecoveryEndurance TrainingSport PerformanceMarathon des Sables (MdS)Training Volume
Acceleration and maximal velocity are two factors that are key for any position in football and can determine success in many situations out on the field. This article will review several aspects of sprint mechanics and training to enhance linear (straight-ahead) speed for football players.
This NSCA Coach article discusses training modalities in bench press training and incorporating accessories to improve rate of force development (RFD) among athletes. Visit NSCA online to read more on strength training and exercise science.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentOne-Rep Maximum (1RM)Performance TrainingBench PressResistance TrainingCompensatory Acceleration Training (CAT)Dynamic Effort (DE) MethodBarbell Exercises
Although most resources on program design review the foundational scientific principles of training, they often fail to provide practical strategies that strength and conditioning professionals need in order to apply these principles successfully. To help bridge the gap between science and application, this article provides a simple and practical, step-by-step system for applying the scientific principles of training into the program design process.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceProgram designstrength and conditioningexercise sciencepersonal trainingprogram design
This article discusses the influence of lower-body power on soccer performance in collegiate female soccer players. It also covers testing for muscular power qualities, different training modalities to use, and sample training programs as examples.
In addition to standard health, fitness, or sport assessment guidelines, several guidelines exist for the fire service. Since each agency is different in its preferences, capabilities, and philosophies, applying a standard recommendation may not be possible. This article introduces basic decision-making considerations for fire service assessment batteries.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyfitness teststactical strength and conditioningfitness assessmentfirefighter