Puberty is a critical period for young athletes, characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social changes. During puberty, young athletes experience the adolescent growth spurt at the same time as intensified training regimens, which can affect performance, injury risk, and overall health. Systematic training can improve physiological and performance outcomes, but the increased training volume and changes to the body during adolescence can also heighten the risk of injuries. This article discusses the injury risks associated with adolescent growth and provides comprehensive recommendations to mitigate these risks. Key recommendations include limiting training hours to the athlete’s age, monitoring growth and maturation to adjust training loads and content, and incorporating and modifying consistent strength and conditioning prescriptions. In addition, optimal nutrition, sleep, and interdisciplinary planning among coaches, parents, and stakeholders should be emphasized to support young athletes’ holistic development and well-being during the adolescent growth spurt.

Congratulations to the NSCA's 2022 winners! This page is updated as new award winners are named throughout the year.

The Assistant College Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year Award is given to an outstanding Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS) who has demonstrated dedication to improving athletic performance at the college level.

Join us for the 2020 NBSCA Virtual Sports Performance Summit with Keynote Speaker Pat Garrity, Pistons Assistant General Manager and former NBA player.

Built on scientific principles and evidence-based research, the NSCA’s Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC) Practitioners Course is a foundational strength and conditioning program designed to provide tactical facilitators with the tools to decrease injury risk and increase longevity and effectiveness of tactical professionals.

Looking to exhibit at an NSCA conference? Find all the information you need to know about NSCA National Conference, Coaches Conference, Tactical Annual Training, Personal Training Virtual Conference, and more.

Learn, participate and network with colleagues at (location) while earning CEUs. Hosted by the state, provincial and regional directors, this local event brings cutting-edge research and application to your backyard.

NSCA's Education Content, Including Articles from the TSAC Report, Personal Training Quarterly and NSCA Coach.

Thank you for your willingness to evaluate and make a recommendation for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA’s) L.I.F.T. Mentorship Program. The purpose of this program is to prepare and position students and professional members from underrepresented groups for participation in NSCA activities that will lead to stronger leadership opportunities and outcomes. This program includes both online leadership mentoring with an NSCA professional as well as covered expenses for the applicant to attend NSCA’s National Conference.