This course is an introduction to force plates and performance testing. This course covers the basics of setup and calibration of force plates, and then walks through several fundamental performance tests including squat jumps, countermovement jumps, drop jumps and loaded jumps. Two versions of the isometric mid-thigh pull as well as an isometric squat are also covered in the course. Real-time data collection from the software is also shown as the athletes are performing the tests. A module on data analysis rounds out the course, which includes five metrics collected from the force plate, as well as calculations from this data, including relative strength index - modified, and dynamic strength index.

From the 2020 NSCA Coaches Conference, Brian Buck, Director of Sports, and Bryce Patterson, Director of Education at Sparta Science, discuss how to understand data, create a repeatable and scalable system to address goals, and create a feedback loop to assess the effectiveness of a program.

This excerpt from NSCA's Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioning explains the importance of third-party certifications on supplements in the tactical population.

Soldier Readiness Test Pilot: Overview of Combat Relevant Testing and Embedded Resources on Military Readiness

This session from the NSCA’s 2015 TSAC Annual Training provide examples of how different agencies (i.e., fire, military, and police) have implemented legally defensible fitness tests. Previous experiences will be shared as well as general recommendations on how to implement a scientifically-based testing battery.

Those who are in key decision-making positions should understand the importance of proper research, validation, and implementation procedures when developing physical fitness standards.

This infographic discusses how testing for the change of direction deficit may be a more specific measure of change of direction ability in athletes.

The administration and measurement of youth power development has become more available and familiar with the advances of technology. This excerpt introduces varieties of testing and administration practices to assess power in the youth population.

This infographic explains how utilizing the rear foot elevated split squat is a reliable method of testing unilateral leg strength and how it can measure athletes’ symmetry in producing vertical ground reactive forces.