This article is part of a continuing series of tactical strength and conditioning (TSAC) research reviews. It is designed to bring awareness to new research findings of relevance to tactical strength and conditioning communities.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designTesting and EvaluationFunctional Movement ScreenPolice OfficersMilitary DeploymentBody CompositionFitness Testing
This article provides recommendations and advice from a former active-duty Infantry/Military Intelligence Officer in the United States Army on the transition to becoming a tactical strength and conditioning coach.
TSAC FacilitatorsProfessional DevelopmentTactical Strength and ConditioningTSAC-FCSCSNetworking
This article assessed the effectiveness of the Holistic Health and Fitness Lite (H2FL) pilot that integrates strength and conditioning coaches, dietitians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and cognitive performance specialists into conventional units to provide holistic care for soldiers.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationH2FTSAC-FSoldiersHolistic HealthBattalions
To apply performance enhancement and injury prevention practices employed by today’s professional and collegiate athletics to the Army, a restructuring of training paradigms needs to be implemented across the force.
This Personal Training Quarterly article presents alternative ways of teaching the squat technique. Visit NSCA online to read more on exercise science, health, and fitness.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentProfessional DevelopmentMuscle TensionDynamic Warm-upLower-Body WorkoutMobilityJoint StabilityResistance TrainingExercise TechniqueInjury Prevention
This article provides high school strength and conditioning coaches with a comprehensive guide for implementing plyometric training for high school athletes effectively.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentTriple extensionNeuromuscular coordinationExplosive powerSpeed-strength Stretch-shortening cycle (SSC)High school athletesPlyometric training
Between the physiological, cognitive, and tactical skill demands, this article explains why fighter pilots should be considered tactical athletes and have access to resources like a professional sport athlete.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designFighter PilotTactical AthleteG-ForcesCognitive Training
The path to the top is not always linear. For Jill Costanza, it included returning to school and stops in collegiate and military performance before becoming Director of Sport Science and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with the National Football League (NFL) Detroit Lions. Costanza describes today’s sport science landscape as a “Wild West,” where definitions differ by perspective. Her focus centers on assessing the athlete and program effectiveness against the demands of the game to identify holistic interventions. She outlines how intentional systems, a clear communication funnel, and data visualizations help athletes and stakeholders understand the “why,” build buy-in, and tap into competitiveness. Addressing common misconceptions, Costanza clarifies that elite athletes can still have foundational qualities that need rewiring. She emphasizes movement quality, proprioception, and breathing while adapting for individual needs and neurological fatigue. Learn how to build sport science systems, turn insights into action, and keep progressing on your professional path.
Reach out to Jill by email at: jill.costanza@lions.nfl.net | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
Join the NSCA Football Special Interest Group (SIG) and explore 24 other specialized communities designed to support your development on the Special Interest Groups page.
A fundamental training program at a young age gives the athlete the opportunity to develop many skills needed to succeed. The implementation of agility and coordination training can help reduce the risk of injury and elevate a young developing athlete.
CoachesProgram designYouth TrainingAgility and Coordination TrainingHS-CoachingYouth Athlete