Maximal force can be expressed across a range of conditions influenced by the external load and the time available to express force. As a result, several distinct and specific strength qualities exist. Conversely, some expressions of maximal force are similar and can be categorized as a single quality. Therefore, strength assessment systems must be sophisticated enough to isolate and measure each quality while minimizing redundant information. This article presents a contemporary, evidence-based and practical framework that reduces the many strength and speed-strength metrics into 5 distinct qualities. Alongside this, we present case examples of the application of strength diagnosis.

This continuing education opportunity explores a variety of topics as they pertain to common racquet sports - badminton, racquetball, squash, and tennis. To earn your CEUs, it will be necessary to review 5 articles from the NSCA Strength & Conditioning Journal and pass a 50-question quiz. Please note: this quiz awards 1.0 CEU (10 contact hours). Articles include: 1) Agility Training for Experienced Athletes, A Dynamical Systems Approach 2) Review of the Badminton Lunge and Specific Training Considerations 3) Strength and Conditioning Considerations for Racquetball Athletes 4) Physical Preparation for Elite Level Squash Players, Monitoring, Assessment, and Training Practices for the Strength and Conditioning Coach 5) New Approaches for On-court Endurance Testing and Conditioning in Competitive Tennis Players

The Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) is a practitioner with training and applied experiences across the scientific disciplines applicable to sport science and athletic performance (i.e., generalist) or predominantly within a select few (i.e., specialist). These scientific disciplines, as related to sports performance, include, but are not limited to: biomechanics, data science, nutrition, physiology, psychology, research methods, and strength and conditioning. A CPSS demonstrates competency in the application of scientific disciplines, assessment, training theory and process, needs analysis, monitoring, communication, and education with the primary goal of safely and effectively improving athletic performance.

Learn about the various categories of CEU opportunities the NSCA will accept. The categories exist to ensure individuals gain knowledge in a variety of ways.

Peer Reviewers apply their knowledge and experience to assess the quality of strength and conditioning educational programs that have applied for CASCE accreditation. Working in teams of three, Peer Reviewers conduct assessments by visiting institutions to evaluate and validate the information provided in the program’s self-study.

[High School Athletic Directors] Help your coaches gain the skills they need to safely and confidently teach complex lifts to student-athletes with this 1-day course. Skilled coaches are a key to a safe weight room, happy parents, and improved sports performance.

Get NSCA's Essentials of Training Special Populations — a trusted resource for students, personal trainers, exercise science professionals, and CSPS® exam prep.