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Athlete Safety
The top concern of strength coaches should always be athlete safety. For this reason, the NSCA has compiled a list of resources to raise the standard of care when working as a strength coach at any level. By reading and sharing these examples of standards and guidelines, policies and procedures, position statements on vital topics, mental health best practices, and more, strength coaches can push to increase the safety of athletes around the world.
Windows of Optimal Trainability
April 1, 2016
The “five Ss” of trainability and performance are critical periods of development that all youth strength and conditioning coaches should consider when creating a training program. Coaches should take advantage of each window to maximize a youth athlete’s potential and help ensure a long athletic career.
Coaches Program design LTAD youth training guidelines youth athletic training
Eccentric and Balance Training to Enhance Pistol Shooting Performance in the Young Athlete
November 19, 2018
The Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) is a speed shooting competition designed for school-aged youth. The key to training a successful SASP competitor is to not overlook the often forgotten balance and eccentric training exercises that target key muscle groups involved in the competition. An implementation of balance and eccentric training is suggested to aid the performance of young shooters in competition.
TSAC Facilitators Coaches Exercise Technique Program design Eccentric Training Balance Training Youth athlete Training for shooting Youth Training hs-coaching
Youth Performance and Fitness—Strength and Conditioning Information for Parents
March 1, 2013
Strength and conditioning professionals who incorporate a properly designed and supervised training program can help their young athletes train, compete, and reduce the likelihood of injury.
Personal trainers Coaches Exercise Science Program design youth athlete training youth strength training youth training guidelines
Value of Omega-3s for Youth Athletes
May 1, 2015
Dr. Lonnie Lowery spoke at the NSCA's 2012 National Conference about the value of incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into the nutrition of youth athletes.
Coaches periodization training strength training athlete training program resistance training Athlete power development
From Flag to Friday Night—Long-Term Athlete Development in Youth American Football
February 11, 2019
Approximately 2 million youth from 6 - 12 years of age participate in football every year. This article discusses the importance of long-term athletic development (LTAD) for youth football athletes and the significance of a player development pathway for long-term success and longevity in the sport.
Coaches Exercise Science Program design Organization and Administration hs-coaching LTAD Long Term Athletic Development Youth Football
From Basic to Dynamic – Medicine Ball Training for the Multi-Sport High School Athlete
October 18, 2024
This article provides medicine ball exercise progressions to help build athleticism in youth athletes.
Coaches Exercise Technique Program design Coordination Power Athleticism Medicine Balls High School
Early Sport Specialization Versus Diversification in Youth Athletes
December 1, 2013
The purpose of this article is to discuss the different opinions regarding the validity of early sport specialization as opposed to diversification, specifically the effect these two methods have on injuries, motor development, skill acquisition, and social and psychological aspects.
Coaches Program design Personal Trainers long-term athletic development Youth training guidelines NSCA Coach
The Growth and Maturation of the Female Pediatric Athlete
November 6, 2018
Growth and maturation are two important processes that occur throughout an individual’s childhood and adolescent years. The purpose of this article is to review the dimensions, proportions, stature, body mass, and maturational events of all female pediatric athletes in general. It also serves to identify how early sport specialization and different modes of training of the female pediatric athlete affects her growth and maturation.
Coaches Exercise Science Program design Female Athlete Youth Training Youth Development LTAD Long Term Athletic Development Strength Training hs-coaching
Diane Homan on Volleyball, Confidence, and Coaching Full Circle
October 7, 2025
NSCA Member Spotlight: Diane Homan shares her journey from club volleyball to coaching youth and professional athletes, built on NSCA credentials and community.
Personal trainers Coaches Organization and Administration Professional Development
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