Strength and conditioning professionals should consider mental skills training when creating a training program to maximize performance. Developing mental skills is a very long and challenging process; however, the benefits are worth it. Utilizing these skills will put the athlete in a position to succeed in sport, as well as life.
Circuit training is quick and effective way to induce training adaptations that are similar to the demands that tactical officers face in their career. This is a basic layout of a circuit training program that can be implemented to recruits during training to prepare them for the physical demands they will face.
This article provides an overview of the sporting demands of the bobsled competition in the Sochi Olympic Games, and how the theoretical basis of training attempted to meet these requirements.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designstrength training for bobsledpush athletesstrength and conditioning for bobsledsliding sport trainingBobsled 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
Since traditional sport-specific training or exercise programs do not create enough stimulus to improve the function of the respiratory muscles, the rationale to introduce respiratory muscle training (RMT) emerged. RMT is associated with improved endurance performance and pulmonary function, and it reduced respiratory fatigue, perceived exertion, or breathlessness. The purpose of this article is to provide coaches with tools to select the appropriate form of RMT in the context of the athletes’ needs, using appropriate methods, techniques, devices, and testing protocols. The video abstract is presented in Supplemental Digital Content as SDC 1
John Mata writes about his experience as a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®) and his opportunity to be part of a pilot program directed by United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM).
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTSAC FacilitatorArmyTacticalStrength and Conditioning
Optimize readiness & resilience at the 2026 NSCA Tactical Annual Training in San Antonio, TX. Apply tactical performance research hands-on, connect, & earn 2.0 CEUs.
The purpose of this article is to identify considerations that are to be taken into account when designing and implementing an annual training program for firefighters, as well as to discuss strategies for implementation.
This article will highlight an intervention involving mental skills training and virtual reality (VR) to address acrophobia with this population.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseMental Skills TrainingVirtual RealityAcrophobiaDiaphragmatic Breathing