Synergistic development of muscular strength and motor skill competency is central to long-term athletic development. However, these qualities need to be developed in a logical and progressive manner, and training methods need to be developmentally appropriate, engaging, and enjoyable for young athletes to help them build a positive
association with strength and conditioning-based activities. This article aims to provide a resource for coaches to use when developing the athletic motor skill competencies in youth, including game-based activities, and a more structured resistance training curriculum.
Verbal cues are tools used by practitioners in developing a youth athlete’s motor skill abilities. External cues may optimize athletic performance and movement competencies in adults with trends for youth athletic populations following suit. However, maturation, training age, and cognitive age may interact with the efficacy of cues used. To better assist practitioners working with youth, this article reviews current empirical evidence on how youth populations respond or may respond to cues and offers practical applications.
Colorado Springs, Co – The University of Nebraska Athletics Department announced yesterday the hiring of Boyd Epley as Assistant Athletic Director for Strength and Conditioning, overseeing the strength and conditioning staff and programs of all Nebraska athletic programs except football.
Given the growing interest surrounding youth strength and conditioning, the NSCA recently engaged a group of leading experts to author a position statement on long-term athletic development. The document proposes ten key pillars of successful long-term athletic development that practitioners should adhere to in order to enhance performance, promote health and well-being, and minimize the risk of sport- or physical activity-related injury.
High school coaching is a rapidly-growing area of strength and conditioning, and can be an exciting career choice for strength and conditioning professionals who want to have a lifelong positive impact on young people.
In support of your professional growth, the NSCA provides members evidenced-based tools and resources. Stay ahead of the rest and promote best practices through these carefully-selected resources.
The All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year Award program recognize those collegiate and high school athletes whose athletic accomplishments reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning.
Dr. Tim Suchomel gives the annual Dr. Mike Stone Lecture at the 2021 National Conference and discusses muscular strength in detail, including its effect on performance variables, effective training progressions, and strategies for athletes through the whole training spectrum.