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.
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.
Sled exercises provide a training stimulus that closely mimics real-world physical demands of sports. This article provides examples of how to implement sled training into a program.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designpersonal trainersled workoutspower sledmotor skillssled dragsled pushprowlersled training
Ultimately, there is no “one magical exercise” that can be programmed to appropriately develop all physical training adaptations required in competition, but the JOP Matrix can be used to help address several necessary adaptations needed for lacrosse players.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designstrength and conditioningstrength traininglacrossematrixJOP matrixjump to hop
This article covers the anatomy and mechanics of spinal stabilization and how to properly brace for both maximal and sub-maximal lifts. Because of the forces that are generated by, and transmitted through, the body during resistance training, having a sound understanding of stabilization is paramount for safe and effective training.
One way to potentially lower an athlete’s susceptibility to injury is a proper warm-up protocol. Warm-ups can potentially aid in injury prevention as a result of optimized movement preparation, and it can also reduce muscle soreness and improve performance.
CoachesProgram designDynamic Warm-UpsStatic StretchingStatic vs Dynamic StretchingProgramming Warm-Ups
On a daily basis, tactical athletes take in their surrounding environments, make quick decisions, and put those decisions into actions. Their success begins with the brain, and like any other muscle, it needs to be fueled properly. Join Nick Barringer as he discusses fueling the brain, nutritional threats, and substances that can stave off cognitive decline and improve performance.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceNutritionProgram designTactical AthleteProtecting the Brain
NSCA Member Spotlight: Diane Homan shares her journey from club volleyball to coaching youth and professional athletes, built on NSCA credentials and community.
Personal trainersCoachesOrganization and AdministrationProfessional Development
As the second of a three part series, this article will focus on the Practitioner Pillars of LTAD, including relevant monitoring and assessment tools, as well as systematical progressions and individualized training programs for successful long-term physical development.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationProfessional DevelopmentLTADLoad MonitoringMovement CompetencyPubertyRPEhs-coaching
High chronic workloads have been shown to be associated with a reduced risk of non-contact, soft tissue injuries, while large spikes in acute training loads have been associated with an increased risk of these types of injury. Analyzing the acute:chronic workload ratio allows a coach to optimize training for the athlete and to continue in advancing fitness goals without overtraining.
CoachesExercise ScienceProgram designstrength and conditioningexercise program designovertrainingworkload
Consumption of dietary protein by athletes is a common intervention to maximize gains in muscle and strength, and to improve body composition. The purpose of this article is to analyze the current research on the optimal amount of dietary protein for resistance training athletes.
Personal trainersCoachesExercise ScienceNutritionProteinNutrition for AthletesProtein AmountsStrength Training
The purpose of this article is to investigate a few important considerations for the ice hockey goaltender: common injuries, specific physical characteristics and conditioning, and the mental game.