This excerpt from NSCA’s Guide to Sport and Exercise Nutrition briefly analyzes some of the research behind creatine and its application to sport performance.

When putting together a comprehensive training program for firefighters, Jill Craig looks at three things: fitness, wellness and medical surveillance, in that order. Join Jill as she talks about how the Austin Fire Department outlines its training model. From the 2014 TSAC Conference.

Teena Murray talks about athlete development in this session from the NSCA’s 2017 Coaches Conference. Learn about creating and sustaining a championship culture, developing an agile operating system, and using data-driven decisions to manage risk and readiness.

This article highlights four non-traditional calf exercises that can immediately be used in strength programs for improving calf strength while also increasing ankle dorsiflexion mobility.

In this video from Coaches Conference 2014, Coach Ron McKeefery, MA, CSCS,*D, discusses what strength and conditioning coaches need to know. Sometimes, the most important lessons are not those learned in school. One of our most popular talks!

Join Sgt. Ron Sheppard as he talks about physical fitness from the specialized tactical perspective - in this case, the Colorado Springs Police Department SWAT team. With more than 20 years experience, Sgt. Sheppard provides the operators' view of fitness and training.

In this video from the NSCA's 2014 TSAC Conference, Jason Dudley, CSCS, discusses the importance of recognizing the skills that are unique to specialized law enforcement units. Coach Dudley talks about using knowledge and a proven approach to train these tactical athletes.

Jeff Carroll talks about his experience working with the tactical population and some of the key areas that TSAC Facilitators need to be aware of in training and testing for this population in this 2018 TSAC Conference video.

Coaching elite mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes demands creativity, adaptability, and a global mindset. Gavin Pratt, Senior Director of Strength and Conditioning at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Performance Institute, shares insights from his international career. Pratt reflects on preparing athletes for the Chinese National Games and managing strength and conditioning at the world’s first MMA academy in Shanghai. Applying a systems-based approach, he tackles MMA’s unique challenges — including unpredictable training schedules, diverse personalities and backgrounds, session intensity, and load management. Driven by passion rather than prestige, Pratt emphasizes he’s never been a "tracksuit hunter" — someone motivated primarily by titles or status. He highlights MMA’s innovation potential, especially when using individualized technology based on athletes' force or velocity deficiencies. Pratt contrasts the United States’ expertise in speed, agility, and change of direction with Australia’s early adoption of sports science. He also provides valuable interview advice to help coaches communicate effectively under pressure. Discover practical strategies to elevate your coaching impact. Connect with Gavin via email at gpratt@ufc.com and on Instagram: @gav_pratt | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs If this episode sparked your interest in MMA and other combat sports, take the next step by joining the NSCA Combat Sports Special Interest Group (SIG) on LinkedIn. Connect with a global network of professionals shaping the future of performance. Inspired by Nick Barringer’s recommendation? Register early to save on 2025 NSCA Tactical Annual Training. Catch Barringer’s talk on performance bloodwork and more nuggets of wisdom.

Dave Terry, Associate Director of Sports Performance at Georgetown University, discusses simplifying the process of programming for coaches to optimize their team’s potential. Terry also talks about fostering a culture that his athletes can take beyond the weight room and implement into their lives after college.